Joe Robertson MP has spoken in Parliament following the first two Cross-Solent Transport Group meetings. Set up by the Department for Transport (DfT), the remit of the meetings is to look at prices, timetables and reliability, however, the Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East raised concerns that they were ‘at risk of becoming a talking shop’.
Mr Robertson added that the ‘ferry companies don’t appear to be taking them seriously’ despite £200 million being extracted from the Solent Ferry companies by corporate interests.
Concerns over a ‘talking shop’
In his Question to Maritime Minister, Keir Mather, Mr Robertson said that ‘greedy corporate interest have stripped out over £200 million from our Isle of Wight ferry services in the last 10 years,’ and sought assurances that the Government would intervene, should the ferry companies not take the opportunity to improve services.
Minister’s response
In response, the Minister praised the work which Mr Robertson was doing to achieve better ferry services, and outlined his expectations of the group members, stating:
“The Honourable Member is determined to achieve better ferry services for his constituents and I’m pleased that he reflects on the Cross-Solent group and the work that it’s done and the progress that it is making.
“I am keeping a close watch on its proceedings.
“I expect all members of it to contribute in meaningful ways to find practical local solutions to these challenges and of course keep options under advisement going forward.”
Ferry regulation proposal sent to Prime Minister
Following his question to the Maritime Minister, Mr Robertson confirmed that he has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister for ferry regulation together with West Wight Labour MP Richard Quigley.
A meeting has been offered with No 10 North in the coming weeks.
News shared by the office of Joe Robertson, in their own words. Ed
