Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has called on the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision to reject an offer of support from the recently established COVID Aviation Task Force.
The Ministry of Defence recently established the Task Force to support civilian authorities with helicopters to provide essential air ambulance and night flight capabilities, as well as the ability to swiftly deliver essential equipment and personnel to where they are needed across the UK.
The Task Force has been deployed successfully in England and Scotland, and stands ready to assist in Wales, but the Welsh Government have declined its offer of support.
Darren has therefore written to the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, urging his government to reconsider its decision.
Darren said:
“Given the vital contribution that the Task Force could be making to Wales, especially if the Wales Air Ambulance Service were to be overwhelmed during the current pandemic, I was very surprised to be informed that the Welsh Government has declined its offer of support.
“The Task Force has already been deployed successfully in England and Scotland and it also stands ready to assist here in Wales so I have written to the First Minister calling for the Welsh Government to revisit its position and invite the Task Force to support the efforts of the Welsh Air Ambulance Service and our NHS at this time.
“I'm baffled as to why this offer has been rejected. When we are on a war footing we need to take advantage of every asset at our disposal to save lives and support our NHS."