Local MP Stephen Crabb, has written to Welsh Health Minister Mark Drakeford AM, to request a meeting to discuss Pembrokeshire people’s total objection to the loss of specialist maternity care at Withybush Hospital.

Mr Crabb has urged Mark Drakeford to reconsider the significant evidence provided to him outlining the serious risks posed to constituents if vital local services are cut. The MP has also called for the Health Minister to visit Pembrokeshire to meet directly with the Save Withybush Action Team and other local people.

He said: “For over seven years myself and other campaigners have protested tirelessly against any downgrade to our local hospital.

“Throughout this time, mine and Paul Davies AM’s repeated requests for honesty from the Welsh Government about their true intentions for Withybush Hospital have fallen on deaf ears. Local people understandably feel that their views and serious concerns have been completely ignored.”

He added: “Pembrokeshire people have a voice and they deserve to be heard. It is time that the Health Minister met with me to explain face-to-face how removing vital services from our rural community could possibly not put lives at risk.”