Welsh government accused of ‘sitting on’ plans for space defence project over opposition to Donald Trump

The Welsh Government has been accused by Labour figures of delaying plans for a space radar project in Pembrokeshire because of opposition to Donald Trump and the United States. The project, known as Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (Darc), is intended to monitor objects in deep space with partner countries and help protect against threats.

The Government called in the planning application in July, placing the decision with Welsh ministers. Plaid Cymru leads the Senedd, but the Government says calling in applications is a matter of planning policy, not defence policy. Darc would redevelop Cawdor Barracks, which was previously expected to close no earlier than 2028, and could keep the site open with up to 100 permanent personnel; campaigners have raised concerns about safety, tourism and security.