Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for IW East, appeared on the BBC’s Question Time last night, broadcast from Loughborough. He shared the panel with senior Labour MP, Stephen Kinnock.

Question Time is typically dominated by Ministers and shadow Ministers, as well as known people from media and entertainment, with audiences often reaching 2–3 million viewers.

In recent weeks, Mr Robertson has attracted media interest for his Ferries Bill and other contributions in the House of Commons. Political commentator, Dan Hodges, has described him as “one to watch”, reflecting his growing profile in Westminster.

Panellists received no advance notice of audience questions and had a lively discussion on the forthcoming Budget, immigration, and the Covid Inquiry. Mr Robertson highlighted that Government policies were making it harder for local businesses on the Isle of Wight to get by and made employing local people harder and more costly. He urged the Chancellor not to raise taxes in the Budget next week but instead tackle the growing cost of working age welfare bill and reduce the size of civil service to the size it was in 2016.

The Covid Inquiry had reported just hours before the programme went on air and Mr Robertson received criticism for Boris Johnson’s handling of the pandemic.

The episode is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.