Islanders concerned about ongoing issues with Isle of Wight ferry services and the Government’s intervention (or lack of), will be reassured to hear that both MPs for the Island are doing what they can to make sure this important matter is heard.
This week, during the Supporting Economic Growth debate in the House of Commons, Joe Robertson, the Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East asked,
“I welcome the Secretary of State’s comments on improving everyday transport for UK residents, and her comments on Scottish ferries. Does she agree that my constituency, on the Isle of Wight, should not be left behind in the Government’s transport plans?
“Will she agree to intervene and look at all options in order to regulate private equity—currently, we are entirely reliant on it for our connectivity with the UK mainland, which is harming our local economy—and to look at the potential of empowering any future combined mayoral authority with some regulatory power over cross-Solent transport?”
Maritime Minister will have a meeting with all stakeholders in due course
Heidi Alexander, The Secretary of State for Transport, replied,
“I had a useful meeting with my hon. Friend Mr [Richard] Quigley about this issue a couple of weeks ago, and I am afraid he slightly beat the hon. Gentleman to it in suggesting that we should consider what powers might be available through any future mayoral combined authority.
“Let me assure the hon. Gentleman that we are speaking to stakeholders across the island, including the ferry operators, to understand these issues in more depth and how we might make improvements going forward.
“That engagement will continue, and my hon. Friend the Maritime Minister will have a meeting with all stakeholders in due course.”
Islanders’ Charter
Earlier in the month, former General Secretary of the GMB Union, Sir Paul Kenny, was tasked by the Island’s two MPs to look at issues with Isle of Wight ferries.
The appointment was agreed after all Isle of Wight councillors signed up to support the Islanders’ Charter, which was released in December after the two MPs worked with council leader Phil Jordan.
The Charter “plots a way forward for the ferry companies, which recognises the needs of Island residents, businesses and the visitor economy”.
