By Isle of Wight Observer
Following sustained pressure by Isle of Wight West’s Labour MP, Richard Quigley, the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, this week formally acknowledged the serious issues facing cross-Solent ferry travel, and pledged to do all she can to find a solution.
Speaking after the recent ferry round-table meeting – the first of its kind for a decade – which brought together the Maritime Minister, both Island MPs, and a range of other local stakeholders, the Secretary of State said: “It’s clear that transport off the Island is an important issue for residents. We have listened to Islanders, and Richard Quigley has worked tirelessly on bringing this problem to our attention. We are doing everything we can to find a solution.”
Mr Quigley, who has earned the nickname “Mr Ferries” among parliamentary colleagues, welcomed the statement as a breakthrough. He said: “This is the first time the Department for Transport has formally acknowledged the scale of the problem. Heidi is on top of her brief and understands that the Island cannot benefit from an integrated transport plan without reliable ferry services.”
He also praised the collaborative approach with Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson. “Having two MPs united on this issue has doubled the pressure on the Department,” he said.
The House of Commons has now risen for its long summer recess, but Islanders can hope this latest commitment from the Secretary of State signals meaningful progress over the coming months.
Mal Butler