Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, has questioned the Government about potential funding for a study into the viability of a fixed link between the Island and the Mainland.
In a written parliamentary question, he asked the Secretary of State for Transport,
“Whether she has made an assessment of the availability of funding for a fixed-link viability study to the Isle of Wight.”
Government response
Responding on behalf of the Department for Transport, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Keir Mather said the Department had not carried out such an assessment.
He said,
“The Department for Transport has not made an assessment of the availability of funding for a fixed-link viability study to the Isle of Wight.”
Responsibility at local level
Mr Mather added that the Government believes transport decisions affecting a community should be taken locally rather than centrally.
He said,
“We believe that decisions on transport interventions for a local community are best made at local level and it would be for the Local Authority to lead any feasibility study work.”
Robertson: We are not asking for special treatment
Meanwhile, Isle of Wight East Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, yesterday met with Keir Mather MP. Speaking after the meeting Mr Robertson said,
“I am confident that the new Minister understands the problem: that we are the only part of the UK completely beholden to unregulated private equity firms for essential travel.
“We are not asking for special treatment – we are asking to be taken out of uniquely unfair treatment which has led to astronomical prices, dwindling timetables and unreliable services.
“If the Department for Transport does not want to administer new ferry regulations, then the Government can instead hand powers to the new Mayor for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“I have tabled an amendment to the English Devolution bill for that purpose too.”
The Island’s Conservative and Labour MPs have been working cross-party on the ferry issues since they were elected in July 2024.
Robertson: This is not a case of me bashing the Labour Government
Mr Robertson went on to say,
“The Minister understands that there is political consensus on this issue locally and we are all working together. This is not a case of me bashing the Labour Government. I want it to succeed on this issue, but it must act.
“It cannot do nothing with our ferry problem while it is intervening in trains buses and other essential transport nationally.
“The Minister agreed to regular meetings with Richard Quigley and me together in the future which is very welcome.”
Article edit
5.10pm 29th Oct 2025 – JR comments added
