Last week I made my maiden speech in the House of Commons. I spoke about what makes the Island special, and referred to some visitor favourites such as Havenstreet Steam Railway, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Brading Roman Villa. I also spoke about the crisis in social care, that successive governments of different political colours have been unable to properly address.

Dealing with social care is essential for the NHS, as it relieves pressure on hospitals and frees up more money to redirect into community care.

I also spoke about ferries. In the next 12 months, Isle of Wight residents are likely to become the only UK population entirely reliant on privatised, unregulated, debt laden, foreign owned companies for essential travel. That should not be allowed to happen. The Secretary of State for Transport has called P&O a “rogue” operator and said she is boycotting them. That is all well and good for the Secretary of State, but Isle of Wight residents do not have the freedom to boycott our ferries as we are entirely reliant on them for essential travel with no alternative. I am continuing to urge her to make a statement about Isle of Wight ferries, which she has so far declined to do.

Christmas is still some way off, however I have launched my MP’s Christmas card design competition, at Brading Primary School. I will send hundreds of Christmas cards over the festive season, and I am inviting all primary school-aged children in the East Wight constituency to submit a design for the front of the card. Further details can be found at joerobertson.co.uk.

I have visited the Christmas Stocking Appeal at Victoria Arcade in Ryde. Stasie and her volunteers provide Christmas stockings filled with presents for Island children whose families have suffered financial hardship. It is a fantastic community initiative and I am very pleased to be supporting it.

Finally, I met with the charity, Aspire, to learn more about the range of support they offer and see their new premises in Ryde High Street. When the building work is completed, there will be 7 separate accommodation units for women who are struggling.