Story Highlight
– Campaigners oppose 27 radars in Pembrokeshire, calling them harmful.
– Welsh Government delays planning decision, igniting national security debate.
– Northrop Grumman to build radars for AUKUS security partnership.
– Local MP faces backlash over support for radar project.
– Plaid Cymru ministers express concerns about landscape and health.
Full Story
Campaigners in Pembrokeshire are vocally opposing the planned installation of 27 large space radars, describing the initiative as a “dangerous instrument” that may pose risks to the health, environment, and safety of the local populace. The proposal has stirred considerable controversy, leading to a postponement in decision-making by the Welsh Government, which called for a review just prior to a scheduled planning vote. This intervention suggests a potential conflict with the UK government regarding national security matters.
Local opposition groups view this delay as a modest triumph in their efforts against the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) intentions. The newly elected Plaid Cymru administration has publicly expressed reservations about the project, with its members, including the party’s MPs, pushing back against the radar plans. Conversely, Henry Tufnell, the Labour MP for Pembrokeshire, has taken a critical stance towards the Plaid Cymru ministers, arguing that their focus is misplaced.
The radars, intended for deployment by the American defence contractor Northrop Grumman, are to be situated at Cawdor Barracks near St Davids. This installation forms part of the AUKUS defence agreement involving the UK, United States, and Australia. Each dish is designed to stand 20 metres high and 15 metres wide, with the capability to locate, follow, and identify objects as far as 22,000 miles into space. Collectively, with radar installations in the partnering nations, the project aims to furnish a comprehensive, continuous surveillance of space.
Among the notable figures leading the opposition is actor Jerome Flynn, famed for his role in the television series *Game of Thrones*. Flynn articulated his concerns during a recent interview, asserting that the proposed radars represent a “desecration of the land.” He stated, “It’s not just airspace that we’re talking about; this is crucial migratory space for our coastal birds.” He cited research indicating that such installations could contribute significantly to harmful emissions of electromagnetic frequencies, raising questions about the impact on local wildlife and tourism. Flynn also dismissed claims about the job creation potential of the project, arguing that local employment opportunities would be minimal and that the actual outcome might lead to job losses.
“The assertion that this installation will enhance our security is misguided,” Flynn added, noting that such a facility could make Wales a target amid rising global tensions. In his view, these proposals contradict the essence of the St David’s peninsula, a location recognised as a significant site for pilgrimage and natural beauty.
The MoD has defended the DARC (Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability) initiative, asserting that the radio waves emitted by the radars fall under the category of non-ionising radiation, which the department states is not harmful to health. They maintain that radiation levels around the site would be comparable to normal mobile phone usage, posing no threats to the surrounding community. Furthermore, the MoD emphasizes that the radar systems are crucial for safeguarding satellites that play vital roles in GPS navigation, emergency communications, and other critical services against potential hostile actions, including missile strikes and space debris.
Nevertheless, apprehension remains among residents and local groups who fear that the primary control over these installations would rest with the US, which could escalate military tensions and render Pembrokeshire a strategic target in international conflicts. At a recent rally hosted by the Pembrokeshire Against the Radar Campaign (PARC Against DARC), some participants voiced fears that the presence of such infrastructure could provoke hostile actions akin to previous military incidents in the Gulf.
One local resident, Roy Jones, who campaigned against a similar proposal in the 1990s, spoke passionately against the project, saying, “I may be branded a NIMBY, but I harbour no desire to see such installations anywhere in Britain or across the globe. It could only be described as an instrument of evil.”
The level of local discontent has led to noteworthy public demonstrations. MP Henry Tufnell has faced personal criticism, with protesters mocking him at rallies by using derogatory nicknames and placards reflecting their disapproval. During these events, he stressed the importance of ensuring sustainable local employment and benefits from any potential developments associated with the radar installation.
Tufnell stated, “Our primary focus should be on crafting well-paid job opportunities for the community, tying them to long-term economic gains beyond just the construction phase,” and he advocated for sustained engagement with the MoD and Northrop Grumman to mitigate any adverse effects on the landscape and public health.
Following the Welsh Government’s recent call-in of the application, members are currently restricted from commenting during the ongoing assessment process. However, some representatives from Plaid Cymru have publicly reaffirmed their opposition, indicating serious concerns regarding the impact of the project on Pembrokeshire’s environment, tourism sector, and public health, citing insufficient evaluations on these critical areas.
The MoD has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with Pembrokeshire County Council to ensure that the planning process adheres to all relevant regulations, including those specific to local governance. Both Northrop Grumman and Montagu Evans, the agent representing the project, were approached for comments regarding these developments.
Our Thoughts
The proposed installation of the radar system in Pembrokeshire has raised significant public health and safety concerns. To avoid potential issues, a more thorough risk assessment and stakeholder engagement process could have been implemented. Effective communication with the local community is essential, as their concerns about environmental impacts and health risks should be adequately addressed before proceeding with such projects.
Key safety lessons include the necessity of transparent consultation with the public, which is outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Additionally, adherence to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) is vital when dealing with any emissions from the radar systems.
Regulations possibly breached involve failure to ensure adequate risk assessments concerning electromagnetic fields and the potential impacts on both local wildlife and human health. To prevent similar incidents, future projects must prioritize public health considerations, environmental assessments, and community input, ensuring compliance with all health and safety legislation. Proper engagement could mitigate fears and foster community support, rather than opposition.
