An online petition calling for the Isle of Wight to remain one parliamentary constituency has been launched.
Created by Angela Hewitt, she argues the Island is a large community that works together for the same thing. Adding,
“We do not want to be divided with the inevitable disharmony it will bring and thrust upon us. Two politicians with different ideals will cause nothing but trouble for us Islanders.”
A Parliamentary decision
The decision of Parliament to create two constituencies on the Isle of Wight was voted through way back in 2011. The Liberal Democrats – who formed part of the coalition in Government – then withdrew their support for the boundary changes.
By 2016 it was back on the table, but a change in legislation meant that Review wasn’t completed in time for the 2019 General Election.
The latest Review was launched this week and if all goes to plan, should mean that by the 2024 General Election there will be two seats on the Isle of Wight.
A return of the One Wight campaign?
Many will remember the OneWight campaign spearheaded by former Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner, that raised 13,000 signatures.
Whether this campaign was a success was a matter for differing opinions; from One Wight Campaign: A Success? to One Wight Campaign Says ‘It Was A Success!’.
Hewitt: “An attempt to create disharmony”
In her petition, Angela says she believes the split of constituencies is an attempt to “create disharmony”, saying,
“When we became a Unitary Authority it was a huge success and brought us together as a strong community. We have united views on the environment, strong commitment to our history and our community.
“At a time in the world where unity is everything this seems to an attempt to create disharmony. If it is about the number of voters in a constituency it doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t alter the demographic.”
Hewitt: We often feel that we are bullied by Government
Angela finishes by saying,
“We often feel that we are bullied by Government and those bodies know nothing about how an Island works. That said someone has realised that The Isle of Wight and Anglesey should be treated as special cases – we are protected from such disruption.
“This alone should be reason enough not to split our Island into separate sides doomed to battle against each other.
The petition
At time of publishing the petition has attracted 28 signatures.
If you want to add your name to it, head over to the Change.org Website.
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
