Despite the OneWight campaign, Looks like the Isle of Wight may get two MPs with one constituency split between the Island and the mainland. This just in from Andrew Turner’s office. Ed
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, has said he is disappointed that the House of Commons voted last night to split the Island by a majority of 81 – but he will fight on.
245 MPs supported an amendment to the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill that would ensure special consideration was given to the Isle of Wight (and other areas including the Islands of Argyle & Bute and Anglesey and the ancient duchy of Cornwall) when equalising constituencies.
However, the amendment was defeated with 326 MPs opposing it.
Passing through the Commons tonight
The Bill will have passed through the Commons later tonight and will now be considered in detail by the House of Lords where the decision could still be overturned.
Mr Turner said, “The timetable of this Bill has not allowed proper discussion or debate in the Commons about these issues and how it will affect different areas. The Bill is now going to the House of Lords where the Government do not have the same powers to cut short (or guillotine) debates.
“As I said during my speech, the proper body to make decisions about parliamentary boundaries is the independent Boundary Commission. Major constitutional changes should not be made by diktat of the Deputy Prime Minister. I will now be working with members of the House of Lords to get support in the upper House for amendments to the Bill to protect the Isle of Wight.
“I admit I am disappointed with this setback but we are not yet defeated and I will fight on – as I promised in my election address.”
Effects criticised
The effect of the proposals on the Isle of Wight were criticised during the debate by MPs of all parties as well as Mr Turner.
The former leader of the Liberal Democrats Charles Kennedy MP said, “The sense of a natural, distinct identity in the Isle of Wight should surely be reflected in the attitude that officialdom takes’ and described the plans as ‘an affront’.”
And Paul Murphy, a Welsh Labour MP, asked, “What Government in their right mind could think that the Isle of Wight could be anything other than a constituency?”
Read the debate in full
