Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan has called for an immediate suspension of a joint UK-US deep space radar project, citing former US President Donald Trump's "contempt for our country" as the primary reason.
In a bold political move, Morgan urged her Labour colleagues in Westminster to "halt" plans for the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) program, which would install 27 radar dishes at Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire. The project, announced in 2023 by the UK, US, and Australia, aims to detect and track objects orbiting Earth.
"The United States under Donald Trump is not the partner it once was," Morgan stated in a social media video. "Talk of targeting civilians, undermining our allies and diminishing the sacrifice of our armed forces is not the conduct of a reliable ally."
She emphasized there was a "clear difference" between standing with partners and "giving a free pass to a US president who has threatened war crimes and shown contempt for our country." Morgan argued the UK should pause its involvement "until we can be confident those partnerships reflect our values and our security interests."
"We have got to think far more long term," a spokesperson for opposition leader Kemi Badenoch countered, expressing disagreement with Morgan's stance. "Britain should not be doing anything that is going to have any sort of economic damage to this country, just because we don't like the occupant of the White House."
The Ministry of Defence has previously stated DARC "will provide employment and upskilling opportunities within the local community across all sectors." A Downing Street spokesperson reinforced this position, noting the program "will secure long-term jobs in Pembrokeshire and Wales, and help protect essential satellite communication."
Local Labour MP Henry Tufnell expressed concern about Morgan's position, stating: "I'm concerned that the first minister appears not to want the local jobs and economic growth this project offers. Our community here in Pembrokeshire has always played a pivotal role in the UK's defence and the DARC project represents the next chapter in our proud heritage."
Political opponents were quick to criticize Morgan's stance. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said: "Let's be absolutely clear - we are living in a dangerously unstable world, with growing threats from countries like Russia and Iran. At a time like this, it is extraordinary that Eluned Morgan is willing to put our national security at risk."
Plaid Cymru accused Morgan of a "last ditch attempt" to save her seat in the upcoming Senedd election, while Reform UK suggested she was "focusing on non-devolved issues to distract from her party's appalling record in government."
The DARC project would extend the life of Cawdor Barracks beyond its planned 2028 closure date and has faced opposition from local campaigners concerned about environmental impact and the potential militarization of space. The UK government maintains it has completed comprehensive environmental assessments and is engaging with the local community on the proposals.