Statement of Opinion tabled by Cefin Campbell MS
CAMPAIGNERS from PARC Against DARC, the group opposing the proposed US military Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) at Brawdy in Pembrokeshire, say national scrutiny of the plan is inevitable. Their latest efforts come as Cefin Campbell MS has tabled a Statement of Opinion in the Senedd opposing the radar development.
The move follows a unanimous vote at Plaid Cymru’s national conference in October, where the party formally backed the campaign to halt the project.
Plaid MS raises concerns in the Senedd
Cefin Campbell, one of four regional MSs representing Mid and West Wales, said: “Plaid Cymru has a long and honourable history of promoting peace and opposing militarism at every level. We cannot support the construction of DARC and give space to American militarism on our land.
“No assessment has been completed on its impact on tourism, health, or the economy, and the assumption is that it will be harmful on each count.”
Statements of Opinion in the Senedd function similarly to Early Day Motions in Westminster, allowing MSs to register concerns and gauge support for an issue before potential debate.
PARC Against DARC worked closely with Campbell and other MSs to draft the statement, which notes:
- Widespread opposition from Pembrokeshire residents to the DARC proposal;
- Concerns over the visual and tourism impact of 27 large radar dishes near St Davids;
- Unaddressed health risks and regional security implications;
- A 16,000-signature petition against the project.
The statement calls on the Welsh Government to commission an authoritative impact assessment to better inform both residents and decision-makers.
Campaigners warn of ‘Trump’s militarisation of space’
PARC Against DARC claims the radar array would grant the US and its allies military dominance over space, with similar facilities planned in Australia and the US. The group previously fought off a similar proposal in the 1990s.
A spokesperson said: “The 90s campaign became a national and international issue, debated in the UK Parliament and ultimately scrapped by the Conservative government. We expect the same level of scrutiny this time, and believe it is only a matter of time before decision-makers are forced into a U-turn.”
“With Trump now at the helm in the US—terrifying in itself—who in their right mind would support handing over Pembrokeshire’s landscape to the US military? DARC breaches international treaties dictating that space must remain for peaceful purposes, not militarisation.”
Calls for DARC-related infrastructure to be included in planning
Campaigners argue that DARC should not be considered in isolation. They believe related infrastructure projects—including new pylons, the proposed Newgale bypass, and Vodafone’s planned data cable from Ireland to Brawdy—should be included in the main planning application, in line with legislation.
“The MOD admits that hundreds of lorries per day will be needed for construction,” campaigners stated. “It is clear DARC is not viable without the new road and additional infrastructure, so all elements should be considered together under planning law.”
DARC set to become key election issue
On Wednesday (Feb 12), activist Roy Jones hand-delivered letters to all 60 MSs at Cardiff Bay, urging them to support the Statement of Opinion and meet campaigners at a Senedd event on March 5.
“With the 2026 Senedd elections bringing an increase in MSs from 60 to 96 and the introduction of proportional representation, this issue will be pivotal,” campaigners said. “Our 16,000-strong petition shows DARC is already deeply unpopular locally. As awareness grows, pressure will mount on candidates to stand against it.”
Campaigners are also seeking similar engagement in Westminster, with support from several MPs. “A matter of such national significance cannot be left to a few planning officials at Pembrokeshire County Council,” they said. “It must be scrutinised at the highest levels of government.”
Campaigners to lobby Senedd Members on March 5
On Wednesday, March 5, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, PARC Against DARC will join Welsh peace groups, including CND Cymru, Stop the War, and the Peace Pledge Union, in hosting an event at the Senedd’s Pierhead Building. The day’s events, sponsored by Heledd Fychan MS, will include presentations and a lunchtime session where all MSs will be invited to discuss the DARC proposal and growing militarisation in Wales.
