Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Air Ambulance Funding

26 April 2021 · 2 other contributors · 5,802 words

Opened by Martyn Day SNP Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Responding minister: Edward Argar

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Martyn Day raised concerns about air ambulance funding in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The e-petition for government funding of air ambulances has over 130,000 signatures.
  • Air ambulances in the UK make over 25,000 life-saving missions annually at a cost exceeding 62.5 million.
  • The Government has launched a three-year capital grant programme allocating 10 million for air ambulance services.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks the Government to explore options for hybrid models that could emulate Scotland's NHS-funded air ambulance provision while protecting the independence and quality of charity-funded services.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Martyn Day SNP Linlithgow and East Falkirk

The e-petition calls for government funding of air ambulances, which currently operate mainly through charity organisations. The cost to run and maintain these services is around £12,000 per day, making them reliant on public donations. A tragic incident involving Lee-Anne Parkin highlighted the importance of air ambulance services. There are 22 air ambulance organisations across the UK, with the vast majority funded by charitable donations, except in Scotland where NHS funding is provided. The UK's air ambulances collectively make over 25,000 life-saving missions a year at an annual cost of more than £62.5 million.

Other contributors (2)
  • Alex Norris Lab Co-op Nottingham North and Kimberley

    The hon. Member thanked the initiator of the petition, Bethany Billington, for her efforts in securing the debate and praised the work done by air ambulances across the UK, which complete about 70 life-saving missions each day. He highlighted a conflict between the importance of NHS funding and the reliance on charity funding for services like air ambulances. Alex Norris commended the Government's £6 million grant during the pandemic but urged them to continue supporting these services in both good and bad times.

  • Imran Ahmad Khan Con Wakefield

    Yorkshire Air Ambulance has attended 13 incidents in Wakefield this year and is recognised as one of the best air ambulance facilities in the UK. The services provided are vital for dealing with issues that cannot be effectively handled by conventional ambulances alone, especially given the geographical challenges such as dense traffic areas and remote dales. Bringing these services under NHS could unintentionally degrade their autonomy and flexibility.

Government Response

Edward Argar

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer. I thank the hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk for his thoughtful speech. More than 130,000 people have signed the petition highlighting this important issue. Air ambulance charities across the UK collectively complete more than 25,000 life-saving missions a year. The Government recognises that air ambulances provide an invaluable service to the NHS and has launched a three-year capital grant programme allocating £10 million to nine air ambulance charities for new equipment and upgrades. Additionally, £6 million of covid-19 emergency funding was provided last year to ensure continued services during the pandemic. The charitable model is supported by charities as it provides independence, flexibility, and tailored care to meet local needs. Decisions on service provision are best made at a local level. Essential public donations combined with significant government contributions will continue to fund world-class care through air ambulance charities.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy