Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, says he has gained further support from the Government in his work to improve cross-Solent transport.
He confirmed that the Minister for Maritime, Keir Mather MP, will now meet him regularly to discuss the reliability, frequency and price of cross-Solent travel.
Focus on ferry reliability and cost
Richard says he intends to use these meetings to press for the launch of the Cross-Solent Group.
That group will examine long-standing issues with the ferry operators.
He is also working with the Government to increase transparency from ferry companies on pricing, reliability and frequency.
Minister to visit the Island
Keir Mather MP will visit the Isle of Wight in the coming months. He said,
“I know that residents on the Isle of Wight have suffered with the high cost, low reliability and poor frequency of cross-Solent ferry services for far too long.
“Richard has been a tireless advocate for this issue in Parliament.
“I look forward to continuing to meet with him regularly, and to visiting the Island to see the impact of these poor services first-hand.”
Quigley: It’s painfully clear to all of us here how serious the problem has become
Richard Quigley welcomed the commitment, adding,
“I’m grateful that the Minister not only recognises the challenges we face, but is also committed to finding a solution that truly works for Islanders.
“It’s painfully clear to all of us here how serious the problem has become, but this is the first time in many years that it’s being addressed in a meaningful way.
“Joe Robertson MP and I are united in this campaign as Island MPs, and we’ll continue to push for the change our community deserves.”
