Clwyd West MS and Chair of the Armed Forces and Cadets Cross Party Group  (CPG) in the Senedd, Darren Millar, is calling for a National Military Museum to be opened in Wales.

The need for such a museum was discussed at a recent meeting of the CPG, and in the Welsh Parliament this week Darren raised the matter with the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden MS.  

He said:

“I really do think that there is a need for a National Military Museum in Wales. We have a number of national museums, all of which I think are absolutely superb in terms of conveying the story of Wales to those who visit.

“I think a National Military Museum is something that is missing from that offer at the moment. There's nowhere where people can go and learn about the history of the Royal Air Force in Wales or the Royal Navy here in Wales.

“We've got a number of army museums, but they don't really act as a network, and I wonder to what extent you'd be prepared to discuss with the Cross-party Group the possibility of trying to give an opportunity for those local stories and national stories to be told in terms of our military heritage here in Wales at a National Museum.”

In her response, the Deputy Minister said, “I absolutely acknowledge the points that you're making about the need to have somewhere where our military history is accessible to everyone”, and agreed to explore the possibility with the Cross-party Group.

Speaking afterwards, Darren said:

“Wales has National Museums for wool, coal, slate and football, it’s time we had a military museum too. I therefore welcome the Deputy Minister’s positive response and look forward to working with her to explore this further.”  

Watch Darren’s contribution in the Welsh Parliament below:

ENDS