By Carole Dennett
In a wide-ranging interview with the IW Observer, Shadow Chancellor, Mel Stride, warned that the Isle of Wight’s struggling ferry services are undermining the Island’s economy, and issues must be urgently addressed if tourism is to recover.
Speaking during his visit to the Island on Tuesday, the MP said: “Tourism absolutely matters – over 800,000 visitors come here each year, but numbers have fallen in the last 12 months. The ferry situation is a major factor. If you’re travelling at peak times with a car, you could be spending over £300 – and that’s a real concern.” He added, “We need to look seriously at ownership, licensing and regulation.”
Mr Stride praised IW East MP, Joe Robertson, for “vociferously championing” ferry reform in Parliament, including raising the issue with the Prime Minister. He also spoke positively about his cross-party work with IW West MP, Richard Quigley. “It’s a tribute to Joe’s effectiveness that both the party leader and I are here today,” he explained.
He also acknowledged wider economic pressures facing the Island, including business rates, employment red tape and poor education outcomes. “We need a growing economy to bring people here – and right now, Labour is taxing jobs and stoking inflation.”
Asked about poor education outcomes, Mr Stride said Conservatives would return to the academy and free school reforms introduced under Michael Gove. “Labour is unwinding those freedoms. We’ll pivot back to what we know works.”
Following a private meeting with party members, Mr Stride travelled to the Isle of Wight Distillery, where he heard about the success of the business, and the challenges it faces. Co-owner, Xavier Baker, said that he was pleased that the politician had made the effort to come to listen, and raised issues around tourism, hospitality, National Insurance increases and the drinks trade in general – including duties on alcohol and how they are processed. “It’s super tough at the moment,” he explained.
After the visit, the Shadow Chancellor said: “It is wonderful to see businesses like the Isle of Wight Distillery, and the iconic Mermaid Gin, gaining national and international recognition, particularly as they celebrate their tenth anniversary.
“That said, it is concerning that the Government is making it so much harder for businesses like them to grow. Tax hikes and increasing costs are stifling a sector that has so much potential.
“The spirits industry as a whole contributes £13 billion to the economy of our country; with the right taxation regime that number could grow.”
He then visited Sandown, where he met local businessmen and heard about the particular issues facing the town and viewed some of the run-down and derelict properties along the seafront.
Mr Stride remarked: “Clearly there are specific local factors which are challenging for Sandown, including the number of derelict buildings that stand empty. But the national picture is important too and the Government’s tax hikes on business are making it so much harder for towns like Sandown to regenerate.”
Mal Butler