The Pembrokeshire Anti-Radar Campaign (PARC) has gained national attention as it opposes the installation of military radar systems in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The campaign is determined to prevent a proposed US-linked radar installation in Pembrokeshire, the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC). PARC Against DARC is spearheading opposition to the project at the former RAF Brawdy base.

Supporters of the campaign argue that the installation of 27 radar dishes on the St Davids peninsula - an area known for its scenic beauty and tourism industry - would cause irreparable damage to the landscape and place Pembrokeshire at the centre of future global military conflicts. They also point out that the proposed system would support military priorities under the AUKUS treaty, giving the United States greater control over space-based assets.

Concerns have also been raised about the long-term implications for UK foreign policy, national security, and the future role of Wales in international defence infrastructure. DARC Against PARC also points out that hosting such a major facility could compromise the UK's commitment to peaceful space exploration and weaken local democratic oversight.

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts said: "At a time when the United States is becoming a less reliable defence partner, we must question whether we want to further entangle Wales in US foreign policy through DARC and the AUKUS Treaty. The Ministry of Defence must also address local residents' concerns regarding high levels of radio-frequency signals."

A House of Commons Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled by the Plaid MP highlighted concerns about the visual and ecological impact of the proposed radar array, potential health risks from radio-frequency emissions, and its implications for international law under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The EDM also warns of the potential for increased space debris and the militarisation of space, concluding with a call for the UK Government to withdraw the planning application for the site in Pembrokeshire - or any alternative location in the UK.

The Pembrokeshire Herald reported that PARC Against DARC have stepped up their efforts by launching a UK-wide lobbying campaign targeting all 650 Members of Parliament. The move is intended to raise awareness across Britain of the project's potential impact and encourage political support for its cancellation. The campaign is also calling on local MP Henry Tufnell to clarify his position on the radar proposal, which they describe as "deeply unpopular and destabilising."

Campaigners say that, despite repeated outreach, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has not made any public comment on the DARC proposal. A spokesperson for PARC Against DARC said: "We, and many members of the public, have contacted Henry Tufnell MP on numerous occasions. We invited him to table this EDM and have not even received a reply. There is a growing sense of a political vacuum in West Wales, where our elected representatives are simply refusing to speak out on hugely important issues."

PARC Against DARC says that public engagement has reached unprecedented levels, with over 17,000 people signing a petition and more than 40,000 leaflets distributed locally. The group has also been featured in over 100 media articles and held several well-attended public meetings.

A spokesperson for the group said: "With support growing across party lines both in Cardiff Bay and Westminster, the momentum is now unstoppable. We are urging everyone concerned about this project to contact their MPs and MSs [Members of the Senedd]. This campaign is not just about Pembrokeshire - it's about the future of our country's landscape, safety and sovereignty."

The campaign also points to the fact that a similar US radar proposal in the 1990s for the same site was ultimately abandoned after facing significant public and political opposition. Workers' Weekly calls on everyone to take a stand in supporting this campaign against militarism and for a just and peaceful outcome with the people's voice being heard and their participation in decision-making respected.

Visit the PARC Against DARC website and sign the petition at: https://www.parcagainstdarc.com/

Link to Full Issue of Workers' Weekly

RCPB(ML) Home Page

Workers' Weekly Online Archive