I'm afraid the Welsh Labour Government claims to be in favour of universal healthcare, but it's once again proving that this is not the case. Rather than be universal, it's showing itself just to be south Wales healthcare, and north Wales, once again, being left behind by politicians in Cardiff Bay.

We've rightly called the Welsh air ambulance service invaluable, because it is invaluable to the people of mid and north Wales who often live in rural communities or far away from the nearest hospital, as has been mentioned. And also, on top of that, the areas of mid and north Wales attract a lot of tourists, particularly in the summer months, and because of the geography of the area, it attracts a lot of people wanting to engage in outdoor pursuits, which, as enjoyable as they are, do pose a risk. And, unfortunately, you will always get people who are willing to climb up Snowdon in the summer wearing shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops, which, obviously, poses a higher risk, which is why we need these vital services in rural areas to cater for those needs of the area. 

Again and again, residents are being increasingly isolated by the policies of the Welsh Government and rightly feel that they've been left behind compared to people down here in Cardiff. A combined base in north Wales risks not adding any benefit to the service or for those who need it the most, and I fully support the status quo in keeping the Welshpool and Caernarfon stations running and operating and doing the good job that they're doing on a daily basis. I applaud the 20,000 residents who have signed a petition to prevent base closure, and those who have taken part in a banner campaign. This shows that residents want the Welsh Government here in Cardiff Bay to listen to their deep concerns over the NHS, and it also shows that the Welsh Government are not considering the bigger picture. By removing the availability of air ambulance to people in mid and north Wales, it will just add to the pressures on ambulances and the waiting times that we see day in, day out across our healthcare services, particularly at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. So, I urge all Members of the Senedd to support our motion unamended this afternoon. Thank you.