East Wight Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, has invited the Prime Minister to visit the Island to “hear about Island specific cost-of-living pressures”.
The MP’s open letter comes in response to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement that he is undertaking a cost of living tour of the UK where he will be in “listening mode meeting people where they are”.
Concerns Island is lumped in with the wealthy south east
Mr Robertson said that he is concerned the focus has been on the north of England and false assumptions are made about the Island as part of the wealthy south east. The cost of providing essential services, education choices or running a business are that much more challenging on the Island he says.
Cost of crossing the Solent
But the MP saves his main criticism for the cost of crossing the Solent. He says,
“I note that your spokesman told the BBC that, ‘Westminster has got used to telling people that everyday hassles – like hidden pricing and consumers being ripped off – must be accepted as part of life. [The Prime Minister] doesn’t think that is right.’
“On the Isle of Wight, we as residents and consumers, are being ripped off by private equity interests which own and control our only car ferry services. It is beginning to look exactly like Westminster – particularly the Department for Transport – thinks we should accept that as part of life.
“No other UK community is entirely beholden to private equity groups in order to take their car more than 20 miles from their front door and we do not think that is right. We hope you will agree and take action so that return crossings to and from the Island costing hundreds of pounds become a thing of the past.
“When I spoke to you during the Railways Bill Committee earlier this year you sounded like you were sympathetic to the precarious position Islanders are in, specifically in relation to transport.
“You are now in the privileged position to do something about it. I hope you will accept this invitation to visit the Isle of Wight and speak to everyday Islanders on the ground and hear about Island specific cost-of-living pressures.”
New Prime Minister’s first PMQs
Andy Burnham became Labour Party Leader and therefore Prime Minister on 20th July.
He is due to first face MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions next Wednesday, 2nd September 2026.
News shared by the office of Joe Robertson, in their own words. Ed
