Last week (11th June 2026), Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, welcomed the Minister for Industry, who serves across both the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), to the Isle of Wight.
During the visit, the Minister joined a roundtable hosted by Richard, bringing together key local stakeholders including the CEOs of the Island’s two ferry operators, the Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, the Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, CEO of Visit Isle of Wight, UK Chamber of Shipping, and staff from the Department for Energy, Security, and Net Zero and the Department for Transport.
Roundtable brings together key stakeholders
The discussion focused on the impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), with ferry operators outlining the additional pressures the policy, once implemented, would place on operating costs and, ultimately, ticket prices for passengers.
The visit provided an important opportunity for the Minister to hear directly about the unique challenges facing the Island and gave the ferry companies the opportunity to put their case forward.
Infrastructure gap fuels opposition to scheme
While the ETS was introduced under the previous government and retained for its environmental objectives, Richard has been clear that the policy would not work for the Isle of Wight ferry service.
With insufficient grid capacity and no viable alternatives to conventional marine fuels expected until at least the mid-2030s, Richard has consistently opposed its application to cross-Solent ferry services, arguing that the necessary infrastructure simply is not yet in place and the burden on island passengers is already far too high.
Cross-Solent group set to tackle long-standing issues
Richard continues to work closely with both ferry operators and government to secure a fairer deal for Island residents, ensuring services are reliable and fares remain reasonable.
He has also welcomed the forthcoming first meeting of the Cross-Solent Transport Group, which will bring together operators, officials and stakeholders to address long-standing issues of cost and reliability.
Richard Quigley MP said,
“Everyone on the island knows that our ferry services are already too expensive so I have been clear from the beginning that despite the noble environmental objectives of the scheme the Island must be recognised for its unique reliance on the ferries just as is the case with Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“I will keep working with whoever I need to, in order to bring our ferry fares down.”
News shared by the office of Richard Quigley MP. Ed
