In a surprise development this evening, a mainland Tory MP announced that ExxonMobil had abandoned controversial plans to construct a pipeline across the Isle of Wight or cutting through the New Forest on the mainland.

The pipeline was to be used to transport liquefied carbon dioxide from Fawley Refinery for undersea storage. The two preferred routes were Isle of Wight North to South or Isle of Wight North to West.

Tonight the IW Observer spoke to Sir Julian Lewis, MP for New Forest East, who said that the company had cited the lack of a stable long-term government strategy as the primary reason for shelving the £5 billion project.

Sir Julian is known as a careful and thoughtful Member of Parliament, and he said he would not lightly make such an announcement.

If confirmed, the decision will come as a relief to many residents and environmental groups who had expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact and safety risks associated with the pipeline.

Sir Julian also announced the news on his website, saying: “This will be a great relief to numerous constituents in the Forest and on the Island. I commend ExxonMobil for their willingness to reconsider and their assurance that their valuable contribution to the local economy will continue despite this change of course.”

While the pipeline project has apparently been shelved, Sir Julian has apparently been told that ExxonMobil remains committed to its operations in Fawley. The company’s presence continues to be a significant contributor to the local economy.

If the project is abandoned, it will mark a significant victory for those who opposed the proposal, both on the Island and on the mainland. Environmental groups and local residents had raised multiple concerns about the potential risks to wildlife, marine ecosystems, and the Island’s landscape. More than 30,000 people signed a petition opposing the Island plans.

West Wight MP Richard Quigley said: “If this is confirmed it is good news for the Isle of Wight and Hampshire. It’s also testament to the communities that pulled together to oppose the pipeline.

“The Island may seem insignificant to ExxonMobil, but we don’t roll over easily. The proposal was only ever for the benefit of Exxon. The Island will be very pleased if it isn’t going ahead.”

The IW Observer called the main press line for ExxonMobil, which was answered by a security guard, who said “Everybody has gone home”. We also called and texted the mobile number given for out of hours ‘urgent’ press contacts, but nobody answered.

We will keep our readers updated.