Plans to close the barracks in Brecon in 2027 have been scrapped it has been announced in the House of Commons.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the House of Commons today, November 25, that “after careful consideration” the Ministry of Defence planned to retain the site in the garrison town.

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones is celebrating the news as she has led the campaign to keep the barracks, based on the Watton, open since her election in 2019.

Speaking after the announcement, Ms Jones said: “This is fantastic news. I am absolutely delighted that the Barracks have been saved.

“I am so glad that the Ministry of Defence agrees with me that the Barracks needs to stay. It is not only a huge part of our history, it is operationally crucial as well. The Army’s support during the Coronavirus pandemic in Wales has been organised from the Barracks; their crucial support has been invaluable to us all so recognising this by securing their future is essential.

“Since my election I have lobbied MOD ministers as well as the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister himself. In January, I was able to bring the Minister directly to Brecon to see the Barracks for himself. He later agreed that Army.

“HQ should stay in Brecon but I am so pleased they have gone further and committed to keeping the Barracks in Brecon open.”

In 2016 it was announced that the Army HQ would move and that the barracks would be sold after 220 years.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MP at the time, Chris Davies condemned the closure, saying there had been a barracks in Brecon since 1805, home to troops who fought the Zulus at Rorke’s Drift.

However in January, Defence Ministers announced a partial change of mind in committing to keeping Army HQ in Brecon - today they have gone further by scrapping the closure plans altogether.

The news was announced in the House of Commons as part of a wider plan of investment in Army infrastructure and basing.

The plan will also see the return of a permanent Welsh regiment in Wales, and The Queens Dragoon Guards will leave Norfolk and return to Wales - based out of Caerwent in Monmouthshire alongside 1 Rifles.

Ms Jones said: “Securing the Barracks for the future is an immense achievement and I want to thank everyone who put their name to the campaign. We are extremely proud of our military community and I am overjoyed they have a permanent home in Brecon.

“The fact that the QDG are coming home is the cherry on the cake. Finally, a Welsh Regiment will be based in Wales.

“Today is superb day for the Army, for Wales and above all, for Brecon.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are also "delighted" with the decision to save the barracks.

Both the former Brecon and Radnorshire MS Kirsty Williams and current Mid and West Wales MS Jane Dodds also pressed for the barracks to remain open.

Responding to news from the Minister of Defence that Brecon Barracks will remain open, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “I am delighted to learn Brecon Barracks has been saved from closure. The Barracks has a long and proud military history and has been an important part of the local community and local history in Brecon and Wales as a whole for over 200 years.

“Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats, myself and Kirsty Williams had continuously pressed for the Barracks to remain open and want to thank all those involved in securing its future.”James Evans MS said: “It is amazing news that the Brecon Barracks will be staying open. For five years now, myself, local activists and politicians have campaigned to keep the barracks open and this decision will mean that Brecon will remain the heart of the British Army in Wales, and long may it remain. so. Last week I was with senior military personnel in Cardiff discussing the future of the Army in Wales. I know that many local military personnel will be extremely happy with this decision. Well done to all involved”