P-06-1456 I demand a full public enquiry into the closure of Welsh Air Ambulance bases in mid and North Wales - Correspondence from Russell George MS to the Committee,  27 November 2025

Dear Carolyn,

I am writing in regard to this week’s Plenary debate - Debate on petition P-05-1456: I demand a full public enquiry into the closure of Welsh Air Ambulance bases in mid and North Wales concerning the proposed closure of the Welshpool and Caernarfon air ambulance bases, and to reiterate the strength of public feeling on this issue. Tens of thousands of residents from mid and north Wales have made their concerns clear, and the debate again highlighted the potential risk to life that these changes would present.

As I set out during the debate, the decision taken by the JCC has generated significant anxiety, particularly in rural communities where timely access to emergency care can be the determining factor between life and death. This concern has only been deepened by the lack of clarity surrounding the so-called “mitigation measures”, including the additional Rapid Response Vehicles that were promised.

I am therefore asking the Committee to set out what steps it now intends to take to hold both the Welsh Government and NHS Wales to account on the commitments made—that no bases would close until the Rapid Response Vehicles are fully in place and operational. Public trust is already fragile, particularly given the absence of detailed information on these commitments, and it is essential that the assurances previously given are not allowed to lapse without appropriate scrutiny.

Given the cross-party concern, the opposition from both Powys and Betsi Cadwaladr health boards, and the overwhelmingly clear views of the public and clinicians alike, it is vital that this issue receives continued and robust parliamentary oversight. I would therefore be grateful if the Committee could confirm how it intends to progress this petition, including any planned evidence sessions, correspondence, or recommendations to the Welsh Government.

Thank you for your continued work on this important matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Russell