Joe Robertson MP Calls for Government Action on Isle of Wight Ferries at PMQs
Today (15/01/24) in his first appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions, Joe Robertson MP took the opportunity to raise long-running issue of Island ferry services on behalf of his constituents.
Addressing the Prime Minister directly, Joe Robertson MP said:
“My constituents on the Isle of Wight are entirely reliant on foreign-owned, debt-laden, unregulated ferry companies for essential travel. But in the United Kingdom, public transport is regulated and subsidised- like buses, trains, or Scottish ferries.
“Does the Prime Minister agree with me this Isle of Wight anomaly must come to an end? And will the Government intervene in order to protect passengers from excessive ferry prices and bad services?
This question underscores the growing concerns of Isle of Wight residents, who face increasingly high costs and unreliable services for a vital transport link that many other parts of the UK take for granted.
Unlike other public transport systems, Isle of Wight ferries operate without regulation or subsidy, leaving residents and businesses at the mercy of foreign-owned, debt laden, private operators.
In response to Joe’s Question, Keir Starmer MP, the Prime Minister said:
“Well, I thank him for raising this. And he's right. The ferry services for his constituents have simply not been good enough. And I know that both he and my honourable friend, the member for the Isle of Wight West, share a commitment to ensuring their constituents receive a better service.
“The Maritime Minister has met the ferry and hovercraft operators, the Leader of the Council and other stakeholders. There will be further meetings and I'll make sure that he is fully informed by the Minister of the progress on this issue for his Constituents.”
Joe has committed to continue to urge the Government to take decisive action to ensure that Isle of Wight ferry users are afforded the same protections and support as other UK public transport users. Previously, since being elected last July, he has written twice to the Department for Transport and met with the Maritime Minister.
Commenting after PMQs, Mr. Robertson said:
“The Prime Minister says Isle of Wight ferry services are not good enough in response to my question to him at Prime Minister's Questions.
“We must bring an end the Isle of Wight anomaly where residents are reliant on unregulated, debt laden private companies for essential travel. We are all united on the Island and beyond - things must change.”
