Local AMs say they are shocked by the Welsh Assembly’s lack of urgency on proposed cuts at RMB Chivenor.

The Ministry of Defence plans to reduce rescue helicopter cover at Chivenor to 12 hours — meaning it may take longer to reach night-time emergencies in Pembrokeshire.

The plans have been condemned by the politicians who have joined the campaign to keep 24-hour cover at the base.

Sending helicopters from RAF Valley, RNAS Culdrose or MCA Lee-on-Solent, will take up to 41 minutes longer than sending one from the Devon base.

The MoD has defended the proposal, stating that new, faster helicopters will reach all high, very high and 75% of medium risk areas well within one hour of take off.

MoD secretary for state, Bill Rammell, added that night-time response to incidents in Pembrokeshire will be “comparable to current transit times”.

South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns tabled a written question at the Welsh Assembly, asking what discussions the Assembly had held with the UK Government about the cutbacks.

“I was horrified to discover that no discussions have been held on the issue,” she said.

“This is a vitally important matter and I shall be raising the issue as a matter of urgency.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies added: “Even if a helicopter is sent from the next nearest station at RAF Valley, it’s estimated it will still take six minutes longer to reach Pembrokeshire than one from RMB Chivenor.

“That six minutes could be the difference between life and death to a hypothermic sailor who is lost at sea.”

Mr Davies added: “It is imperative that the Welsh Assembly treats this issue with the sense of urgency that it deserves.”