By Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, introduced a proposed new law this week in the House of Commons to improve ferry services. Following Prime Minister’s Questions, he tabled the Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill, under the 10-minute rule motion, to regulate ferry services not only on cross-Solent routes, but across the UK.
Mr Robertson explained that communities such as the Isle of Wight are reliant on unregulated private operators for essential transport links. The Bill aims to improve connectivity, reduce fares and bring ferries in line with wider public transport provision.
The proposal has received cross-party backing, from MPs representing five political parties in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West. Mr Robertson is also seeking to amend the Government’s English Devolution Bill so that any future Mayor for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight could exercise regulatory powers over cross-Solent operators.
In a passionate speech, delivered without notes, Mr Robertson highlighted the obligations imposed on train and bus providers regarding pricing, timetabling and publication of performance data. He argued that similar rules should apply to ferries, which many communities depend upon for work, services and family life.
He also addressed ferry owners directly, saying: “We are tired of your methods, we are tired of your rip-off prices, and we are tired of funding your huge, ballooning, bank debt interest. You should be providing a lifeline transport service, which the taxpayer gave you money for to stay profitable during Covid.”
Mr Robertson urged operators to embrace regulation if they care about passengers and warned that warm words from ministers must be translated into tangible action. He recently met Maritime Minister, Keir Mather MP, and welcomed the commitment to further regular meetings with Mr Quigley and the Minister.
The Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill will now join a ballot of backbench bills for possible debate on November 28, 2025. Although without government support the bill will not progress towards becoming law, Mr Robertson gave a graphic highlight of the issues Islanders face to his MP colleagues.
Wightlink’s CEO Katy Taylor said that she welcomed open debate and continues to engage with MPs and others on cross-Solent transport. She added: “In 2025, we’ve added sailings, engaged with Islanders including our Meet the Team events and meetings with the STUG [Solent Transport User Group], introduced saver fares such as our Sunset Flyer and midweek offers, and launched free travel for college students, all while maintaining strong performance. We’ll continue to support efforts to improve transport for Island communities.”
You can watch Joe Robertson in the House of Commons at iw.observer/house-of-commons.
