Pembrokeshire anti-space radar campaigners release peace doves at the Senedd

Campaigners from Pembrokeshire-based PARC Against DARC have made their feelings known about proposals for space radar array for Brawdy, but holding a presentation at the Welsh Senedd.
The group travelled to the Senedd on March 5 to give a presentation in opposition to the plans, stating that they are now ‘ramping up efforts’ to stop DARC Radar.
Twelve Members of the Senedd from across the political spectrum have so far subscribed to a Statement of Opinion that recognises widespread local opposition to the proposal including a petition with nearly 17,000 signatures and concerns regarding DARC’s visual, health and regional security implications, and calls for a Welsh Government commission.
A PARC spokesperson said: “Today marks a big step change in the political impact of the campaign against DARC that has gone an incredibly long way very quickly, with now cross-party support from some Welsh Labour MSs, strong support from Plaid Cymru, and support also from the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ Senedd representative, Jane Dodds.
“For the many people opposing DARC in Pembrokeshire, this shows us the Senedd playing its best role: as a true reflection of the people that elect it. We strongly encourage MSs to heed our community’s call, and support the statement of opinion.
“It’s right for politicians of all stripes to support this statement of opinion for all the reasons locals oppose DARC. Proposing a 27-dish DARC radar array on the skyline of a true jewel-in-the-crown natural wonder and headline Welsh tourism industry attraction like the St Davids peninsula has been a totally ill-conceived idea from the start, and the Senedd Members we spoke to today have certainly been some early adopters on the right side of history in reflecting that.”
Mid and West Wales Senedd Member Cefin Campbell who attended the event said: “I attended because of Plaid Cymru's proud tradition of promoting peace, and my concerns over the damage the military project could mean to the area's economy, nature, and health.”
The events were followed by a televised Vigil for Peace on the steps of the Senedd where Ali Lochhead from CND Cymru spoke of the group’s vision for Wales as a nation of peace. Côr Cochion Choir sang and closed the event as two Peace Doves were released as a symbol of the promotion of peace.
Heledd Fychan MS who sponsored the Peace Day which fell on the UN International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness said: “Plaid Cymru has a long-standing history of opposing militarism and advocating for peace. We remain committed to supporting the campaign by Pembrokeshire residents against the DARC proposals.
“A lot of interesting discussions and a valuable opportunity for Senedd Members to learn more and understand the strength of opposition and the reasons why this should be of concern to everyone in Wales.”