Local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has written to the UK Defence Secretary, urging that Pembrokeshire be placed at the heart of the Government’s renewed defence strategy, following the recent commitment to increase defence spending.
In his letter to the Secretary of State for Defence, Mr Kurtz outlined how Pembrokeshire’s rich military heritage, existing defence infrastructure, and industrial strengths position the county uniquely to contribute to the UK’s future defence and resilience planning.
Highlighting key assets such as the Castlemartin Firing Range, Cawdor Barracks, and the former Royal Navy Armaments Depots at Trecwn and Blackbridge, Mr Kurtz emphasised that Pembrokeshire is well placed to accommodate an expanded Ministry of Defence presence.
He also drew attention to Pembrokeshire’s role as a national energy hub, with its established oil and gas industry and the emerging floating offshore wind sector in the Celtic Sea. Coupled with the strategic location of transatlantic energy and data infrastructure at Pembroke Dock, Mr Kurtz argued that the region merits serious consideration as a potential future Royal Naval base.
Samuel Kurtz, whose family has a history of Armed Forces service, said:
“Pembrokeshire is steeped in military history, and home to strategically important defence assets. It has enormous potential to play a vital role in the UK’s future defence plan. Importantly, several local businesses are already active within the strategic defence supply chain.
“Our communities have a proud record of supporting the Armed Forces, and stand ready to do so again. But Pembrokeshire must receive its fair share of any increase in defence investment.
“That is why I am urging the Defence Secretary to recognise Pembrokeshire’s significance, act on its potential, and deliver the investment our county deserves.”
