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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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. <br />“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.<br />“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.”<br />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.”<br />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.<br />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. <br />“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.”
