MP welcomes Air Ambulance

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Simpson said: “This is fantastic news for Northern Ireland and I am delighted that the Chancellor has finally responded to our requests.”

“I have been in contact with Mr Ian Crowe, Chairman of Air Ambulance NI on a regular basis, and as a result of our discussions, I wrote directly to the Chancellor in January putting the case forward for an Air Ambulance and pledging my support for one. I am pleased that money has been raised, and the right decision has been made, this is encouraging news, not just for my constituency but for the whole of Northern Ireland.”

Mr Simpson also praised the unwavering dedication of the late Dr John Hinds who campaigned tirelessly for a Northern Ireland Air Ambulance. He said “I hope this announcement will bring some comfort to the friends and family of one of our “flying doctors”, the late, great Dr John Hinds, who campaigned for a Northern Ireland Air Ambulance for many years. We are indebted to him for the tireless work he did on achieving this, and I have no doubt that if it hadn’t been for his resolute commitment, we would not have heard the announcement we heard today.”