By Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, has called on the Government to ensure any new Mayor for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is given powers to regulate cross-Solent ferry services – warning that without them, the Island will once again be “left behind”.
Speaking in a Westminster debate on Tuesday, Mr Robertson said the Isle of Wight remains the only part of the UK entirely dependent on “unregulated, foreign-owned ferry operators for essential travel.” He welcomed the Government’s ambition to build a fairer, more affordable transport network – with local leaders given powers to control transport – but warned that the vision will fall short unless ferry services are included.
“The Government is creating a new Mayor with powers over road, rail and buses,” he said. “But not ferries.”
The Government has said that the new Mayor will have “soft powers” over the ferry services, but Mr Robertson is arguing for stronger powers and is urging councillors to reject the proposed deal unless ferry regulation is added to the remit. “This is the time to pull together and speak with one voice,” he said. “Local transport powers are being created across the country – including here. We must not settle for less.”
Addressing the new Maritime Minister, Keir Mather, in the House of Commons yesterday (Thursday) Mr Robertson added: “It comes to something when Red Funnel are operating ferries so old they predate the birth of the new minister.”
The Minister agreed to meet Mr Robertson and West Wight MP, Richard Quigley, next week to discuss cross-Solent travel.
IW councillors will vote on the Government’s Combined Authority proposal on October 1.