Air Ambulance base closure row reaches the Senedd

The fight to save Welshpool’s Wales Air Ambulance base may be over, but campaigners have vowed to turn their focus now on ensuring the area receives what the charity has promised in return.

Last week, the disappointing news was received that the Court of Appeal had refused to grant a hearing into the closure of the Welshpool and Caernarfon Air Ambulance bases.

The Court of Appeal, as a higher court, considers appeals from lower courts. Campaigners have said that its refusal means that they have now exhausted all legal avenues and have reached the end of the road in terms of pursuing a legal challenge.

But, yesterday, Montgomeryshire Senedd Member, Russell George, raised the campaign’s voice in the Senedd to say that the people of Mid Wales were promised that no bases would close until additional road vehicles for areas of Mid and North Wales are in place.

Mr George has said that the campaign group was right to contest the decision, and that it has been a privilege to stand alongside dedicated individuals as part of the campaign group challenging the decision to close the Welshpool and Caernarfon Air Ambulance bases.

Yesterday, he made a request to the Welsh Government’s Business Manager, Jane Hutt MS, to allow time for a full debate in the Senedd.

“From the very beginning, we have consistently challenged the facts and rationale put forward for these changes,” said Mr George.

“We have pressed decision makers to explain why they consider it acceptable for 40 communities to receive a slower emergency response. These are questions that have never been satisfactorily answered.

“It is my strong belief, the proposals to close the Air Ambulance’s bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon were based on incomplete and flawed information.

“The process has been marred by bias, misinformation, and misdirection. Nevertheless, the facts remain unchanged: the people of Mid Wales were never seeking preferential treatment, only fairness.

“The residents of Mid and North Wales deserve the same standard of care and prompt emergency response as those living in urban areas.” 

Mr George went on to outline what should now happen, adding: “As part of the proposed changes, a range of so-called ‘mitigation’ measures were announced, including the deployment of additional road vehicles for areas of Mid and North Wales.

“However, I firmly believe these steps fall far short of what is truly needed to safeguard vital emergency services. This week, I have asked the Welsh Government for a statement on their position, and for time to be allowed to fully debate this awful decision on the floor of the Senedd.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the many individuals who have fought tirelessly to oppose the closure of the Mid and North Wales bases, whether through organised petitions, dedicated fundraising, or passionate public campaigning.

“This extraordinary collective effort has truly showcased the remarkable strength of feeling and unity within our communities.”