JONATHAN EDWARDS, Plaid Cymru MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, has been shortlisted from over 100 politicians this year for the 4th Annual Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Award.
The award recognises outstanding politicians and diplomats who are representing civilian interests at the highest level in areas of policy, social and business overall. Mr Edwards is nominated for his campaign to save Dyfed-Powys Police helicopter.
Since February 2015, Mr Edwards called out against government cuts to remove police helicopter services to a more centralised system that have been reported to be ill-equipped to dealing with rural emergencies.
Plans to scrap the service had been published as far back as 2012 to replace the police helicopter with a fixed-wing aircraft. Police and crime commissioner Christopher Salmon confirmed he had agreed a deal with the National Police Air Service that would see Dyfed-Powys join a centralised service, resulting in the abolition of the force’s dedicated helicopter.
As part of the agreement, the helicopter base at Pembrey would be retained for the ‘foreseeable future’ as a forward operating base – a move which Mr Edwards said had transformed the Carmarthenshire operation into nothing more than a ‘glorified petrol station’.
Mr Edwards strongly opposed the move from the outset and launched a petition to highlight the public opposition to its loss.
Delivering his petition to the Home Office, Mr Edwards called for the Policing Minister personally to intervene, adding that the safety and security of Dyfed-Powys residents was being compromised.
Mr Edwards petition to save Dyfed-Powys police helicopters received huge public support with local newspapers running the campaign and spreading news to out-of-reach areas.
Mr Edwards also tabled a Parliamentary motion calling on the government to intervene and overturn the decision by the National Police Air Service.
The petition was signed by more than 2,000 local residents which was presented to the Home Office in October 2015.
In addition to a Parliamentary motion, Mr Edwards held a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament where he outlined a strong case for the retention of the Dyfed-Powys police helicopter. The Minister of Policing was at the debate to respond on behalf of the Government.
Talyn Rahman-Figueroa, Executive Director of Grassroot Diplomat, said: “All too often, we hear stories of our governments not representing our needs but Grassroot Diplomat looks upon selfless individuals in a position of power, who work tirelessly for their communities.
“The award seeks to create a culture of positive role models within our governments which encourages others like them to follow suit. Grassroot Diplomat winners go beyond their job descriptions and those shortlisted for the award should be proud to be recognised this far.”
While the decision was not overturned, the campaign was successful in boosting local moral over an issue that was brought into the public debate towards central government, proving the power of local voices typically removed from political debates.
Jonathan Edwards said: “I was stunned to receive a phone call from Grassroot Diplomat notifying me of my award nomination. I am sincerely honoured to have been shortlisted from over 100 politicians.
“The nomination is a recognition of all individuals, communities and local newspapers which have supported the overwhelmingly strong case to retain our dedicated police helicopter.
“My work as a local Member of Parliament is not about gaining recognition but about standing up for the people I represent. To this day I believe the Police Commissioner giving away our helicopter is a mistake. I hope I will be proven wrong.”
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