Plaid Cymru Pembrokeshire has asked a series of questions to Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government about the possibility of housing 1,000 asylum seekers in Penally Military Training Camp.

Assembly Member Simon Thomas has tabled a question at the National Assembly asking what discussions have taken place with the Welsh Government and the UK Government regarding the use of the Penally site.

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas said: “I want to ensure we have a clear picture of the situation. I’ve asked the question to see what talks have taken place and to see whether we can have transparency over any decisions of usage. We would expect the UK Government to respect the Welsh Government and consult with all representatives of the community before any decision is made.”

Plaid Cymru’s local councillor Jon Preston added: “Pembrokeshire council appointed a ‘refugee champion’ which is Clr. Alison Lee. Unfortunately, Clr. Lee was unable to give me any real clarity about the situation. Given the impact this may have on the local community, I have written to the Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones, stating that, although at this time I do not believe the camp at Penally will be earmarked as a holding unit, I do have a duty to seek accurate information.”

“I find it quite remarkable that, although this was addressed at a summit hosted by the Welsh First Minister last October, it is only now that this international crisis has been discussed by cabinet. Pembrokeshire has to play its part, unfortunately the current administration at Pembrokeshire County Council have their heads in the sand. They can’t seem to see the wider picture and how this may affect the people of the county.”