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July 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to my latest E-newsletter which provides an update on what I have been doing within the constituency and in Cardiff.
During June, we received the disappointing news that an appeal against a decision that will lead to the closure of the Welshpool Air Ambulance base had failed after a judgement in the High Court. My full updates provides more news on this issue.
If you would like to meet with me to discuss any matter or if I can help in another way, please email me at [email protected] or call my office at 01686 610887.
Campaign to Save Welshpool’s Wales Air Ambulance Base
During June, we received the disappointing news that an appeal against a decision that will lead to the closure of the Welshpool Air Ambulance base had failed after a judgement in the High Court. My full updates provides more news on this issue.
Over the past three years I have been pleased to work alongside others and be part of the campaign group that challenged the decision to close Welshpool’s base.
The High Court judgement was an incredibly disappointing outcome. This is not however the end of the road in terms of challenging the decision. Following the handing down of the judgment last month, an application for permission to appeal has now been made. This is the first stage of an appeal process.
I want to pay tribute to the many individuals who fought tirelessly to challenge the closure of the Mid Wales base, whether through petitions, fundraising, or public campaigning. This has been an extraordinary campaign and demonstrates the strength of feeling across our communities.
Bluetongue Control in Wales
Russell George challenges the First Minister over Bluetongue Policy.
The Welsh Government decision to not align with England from 1 July in regard to bluetongue policy is a disastrous one, and one that will cost the Mid Wales economy significantly.
Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminant livestock. It does not infect people and cannot be spread in meat or milk. It is spread by biting midges. Bluetongue can cause sickness in affected livestock, reduce milk yield and reduce the reproductive performance of livestock, including the loss of infected lambs and calves. In the most severe cases, it can cause death.
I have spoken widely to those involved in the sector, and raised the issue several times in the Senedd.
Safeguarding Stroke Services at Bronglais Hospital
Plans being considered by Hywel Dda University Health Board, including the downgrading of Stroke Services in Bronglais, will have devastating implications for us in Mid Wales.
400 people attended a public meeting at the Great Hall, Aberystwyth Arts Centre on 20th June, many traveling from far and wide.
The clear view from the meeting was that the proposals for the removal of the Stroke Unit at Bronglais, and for a ‘Treat and Transfer’ model (to transfer stroke patients onward to Llanelli or Withybush Hospitals) will not be safe.
I was pleased to address the audience alongside others. A four hour round trip for a family member from Llanidloes or Machynlleth, to visit a relative who needs support in their rehabilitation is not acceptable. Former Clinicians also spoke out saying the plans are unworkable and dangerous.
We are now in the third week of a public consultation on these proposals. My thanks to the Protect Bronglais Services campaign team for their work and efforts.
There will be a ‘drop-in meeting’ held on Monday 7 July 2025, between 2.00pm - 7.00pm at Y Plas, Machynlleth. This meeting has been organised by Powys Health Board. I will also be attending.
More information is available at Clinical Services Plan Consultation - Hywel Dda University Health Board
Overcrowded and Unreliable trains
Russell George MS raises issues on the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury Line.
In the Senedd, I recently raised again, the need for the introduction of an hourly, year‑round service on the Cambrian line between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury.
This followed my meeting with the Shrewsbury–Aberystwyth Rail Passengers Association (SARPA), and I’ve been pressing the Welsh Government to deliver on long‑standing promises to improve services.
People across Mid Wales have put up with overcrowded trains and broken commitments for too long, and I felt it was vital to raise this directly with the Transport Secretary.
Last week I had a further follow up meeting with the CEO of Transport for Wales alongside local constituents from SARPA, and again made the case for a full hourly service.
A round up of June meetings
I want to give a round up of some of the meetings I've attended in recent weeks at the Senedd.
I met with the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) which represents 85 businesses in Wales and nearly 1,400 across the UK. We discussed their new Welsh Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy, which sets out eight key aims for a greener, healthier and more resilient Wales: https://hta.org.uk/policy/wales.
I also met with experts to learn more about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is a common lung condition causing coughing, wheezing and tiredness. We discussed the “Ignore or Explore COPD” proposal and how a national rollout of Lung Health Checks could transform care. The successful ‘Frontier’ model in Hull shows how early screening can make a real difference. I’m hopeful Wales can lead the way in tackling COPD and improving outcomes for patients.
I attended the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s annual reception for Global MND Awareness Day. It was moving to hear from Mandy Benbow of Llanidloes, who shared the challenges she and her family have faced accessing care, equipment, and respite. The MND Association team outlined their priorities for improving support and services, and I’m committed to raising awareness and pushing for better care — and ultimately a future free from MND.
Farming is the backbone of our rural economy, and I was pleased to meet with farmers and also attend the launch of NFU Cymru’s new “Welsh Farming: Growing Forward” manifesto in the Senedd. It sets out key priorities, including a comprehensive farm‑to‑fork food strategy, policies to support production, a commitment to source more Welsh produce in the public sector, and a multi‑year farming budget as well as addressing vital issues like bovine TB and water quality.
Promoted by Russell George MS, 13 Parkers Lane, Newtown, SY16 2LT
The costs of this publication have been met by the Senedd Commission from public funds.
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