Kirsty Williams AM has criticised the Conservative decision to close Brecon barracks, and has questioned the reaction of Chris Davies MP.

Nick Harvey, former Minister of State for the Armed Forces, and Sam Bennett, Town Councillor for the ward the barracks is located in, have also commented on the news.

The UK government has announced a further 56 sites to close by 2040, on top of 35 sites previously identified for closure, as part of a cost-saving exercise. Brecon’s army barracks is now scheduled for closure in 2027.

Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, said,"Brecon barracks is part of a long and proud military tradition in the town. The proposed closure will come as a massive blow. This decision, along with the planned closure of the Sennybridge Storage Compound, show the Conservatives’ complete lack of respect for our history".

"It is the latest in a long line of closures to local facilities caused by Conservative cuts. We are seeing the damage these are causing across all of our communities".

"To date, Chris Davies has supported these cuts every step of the way. In a year and a half as MP he has only voted against the Government once - over the issue of income tax powers for Wales".

"His long overdue realisation of the damage his government is causing to Brecon & Radnorshire is welcome, but his actions to date give me little hope that his words are anything more than lip service".

Nick Harvey, Minister of State for the Armed Forces in the UK Government from 2010-2012, said, "When I was Minister, Kirsty and Roger Williams were relentless in their pursuit to keep the barracks open, even at the mere suggestion that it might be considered for closure. They left no doubt in my mind of the importance of the barracks for the town. It just shows the effect the right person can have".

Sam Bennett, Town Councillor for Brecon St Mary, said, "As the town councillor for the ward this is really disappointing news".

"The closure of Brecon Barracks is bad news for the town and the people who work in the barracks. Brecon has a proud tradition of working with the army and this will be a great loss to our town"

"When we had a Welsh Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament in Roger Williams he ensured this closure was kicked into touch. I am sure we are expecting more than empty words from our Conservative MP who has so far just done what the Government has told him".