Former General Secretary of the GMB Union, Sir Paul Kenny, who lives in Bembridge, has been tasked by the Island’s two MPs to look at issues with Isle of Wight ferries.
Isle of Wight West Labour MP, Richard Quigley and Isle of Wight East Conservative MP, Joe Robertson have been working together since their election in July last year to find ways to deal with the issue of unreliable and expensive ferry services.
Board to be set up
Following dialogue with the Government, they are coming together to set up a board with local representation to press for change at national, regional and local level to improve cross-Solent services. They have now appointed Sir Paul to chair the new body.
The MPs say that bringing in someone who led Britain’s third biggest trade union for ten years will add genuine weight to the cause.
Supported by IW councillors
The appointment was agreed after all Isle of Wight councillors last week signed up to support the Islanders’ Charter, which the MPs worked with council Leader Phil Jordan to release in December.
It plots a way forward for the ferry companies, which recognises the needs of Island residents, businesses and the visitor economy.
Kenny well known for tough stance against corporate exploitation
As well as leading the GMB, Sir Paul has been President of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and served as a non-executive director of the Health and Safety Executive.
He is well known for his tough stance against corporate exploitation. He said,
“I am pleased to be taking on this new role and looking forward to working with all those determined to bring about change. Notably, this campaign has genuine cross-party support.
“Our message to the ferry companies is simple. Their primary purpose must be serving the people of the Isle of Wight, and they are falling far short of any reasonable expectation. The new Board looks forward to engaging on a constructive basis on accountability, reliability and pricing, but the days of treating passengers and other stakeholders like mushrooms are over.”
Quigley: It will help build our case with the Government
The appointment was welcomed by Mr Quigley. He said,
“This new Board, with direct accountability to the Island’s MPs and therefore Island residents, will help build our case with the Government.
“Paul will be in a strong position to support us to do this. He knows how negotiations work at the very highest level and understands how the system works. He will be able to help in direct negotiations with the ferry companies too.”
Robertson: Getting to and from the Isle of Wight should be no different
Mr Robertson added,
“I am delighted Paul has agreed to take on this role. The board’s strength is the joint working between Labour and Conservative MPs and the Island’s Council, now backed by a prominent former trade union leader.
“Our position is clear – essential public transport is regulated and subsidised throughout the UK.
“Getting to and from the Isle of Wight should be no different.”
More details about the plans for the new Board will be released over the coming weeks.
News shared by the office of Joe Robertson, in their own words. Ed
