Welsh government accused of stalling space defence project
The Welsh government has been accused of “sitting on” a planning application for a space defence project out of “ideological” opposition to Donald Trump, reports BritPanorama.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced in 2024 that the Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire will serve as the base for the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (Darc).
Darc is designed to detect, track, and identify objects in deep space in collaboration with radars from allied nations, as part of a trilateral agreement between the UK, Australia, and the US to enhance global space monitoring against potential threats.
Labour sources allege that Plaid Cymru, the party leading the Senedd, has been stalling the project due to its perception of the US as an adversary.
In July, the Welsh government “called in” the planning application, placing the decision directly in the hands of the ministers. Campaigners opposed to the development, citing concerns over public safety, tourism, and security, described this as a “historically significant moment.”
One Labour source stated that this action stemmed from Plaid Cymru’s “anti-American” stance, labeling the decision “ideological” and “crazy.” The source further asserted that concerns about Darc threatening Wales were unfounded, emphasizing that it would enhance UK protection.
The MoD argues that Darc will benefit the land, air, and maritime forces of the partnering nations while safeguarding critical infrastructure and enhancing domestic construction and space industries.
The Welsh Government clarified, “The power to call in a planning application rests with the Welsh Government and is a matter of planning policy, not defence policy.”
Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Pembrokeshire, accused the Welsh Government of “denying the local community the right to have their say over whether it would go ahead.”
“It is denying the local knowledge, cultural history, and association with defence,” he declared. “In Pembrokeshire, defence has always been part of our history and we have always played our part in the national story.”
Cawdor Barracks has historically served as both a Royal Air Force flying station and a Royal Navy base. Currently, it hosts the 14 Signal Regiment, with the MoD previously indicating that the barracks would not close until at least 2028.
The redevelopment for Darc is set to preserve the site, providing a permanent presence of up to 100 personnel to manage and operate the radar capability.
An MoD spokesperson stated, “Darc is critical to the UK’s national resilience and security. The MoD’s planning application has been produced in compliance with all applicable UK and devolved legislative requirements. We continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to support the planning application process in Wales.”
