CONSERVATIVES MAKE MANIFESTO PLEDGE FOR AN ‘ALL OPTIONS’ ISLE OF WIGHT FERRIES REVIEW
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a Conservative commitment to launch a review into cross-Solent ferries.
Bob Seely has secured the manifesto pledge for a review that will look at ‘all options’ to promote greater competition and drive down fares to provide a fairer service for Islanders.
The commitment has been confirmed this lunchtime (Tuesday) as the Conservative Party launched their manifesto at Silverstone.
On Page 9 of the manifesto, it says:
“Recognising the current challenges with cross-Solent transport, we will establish a review to explore all options to provide more choice and drive down fares.”
Welcoming the commitment, Isle of Wight West candidate Bob Seely has said:
“For too long, Red Funnel and Wightlink have been letting Islanders down. In the past few years, the situation has got worse. It’s our Number One issue.
“We need a better deal on the ferries. I am the only candidate with a plan. I produced the first detailed study for a generation on the ferries, from an Island point of view, and I have persuaded Government to act.
“There is a clear choice at the next election. Me continuing to deliver on my promises to deliver a better deal, or other parties who don’t have a plan for the Island or the ferries.”
As part of his campaign for better ferry services, Bob’s plan has been to:
- Release a detailed study to show how the ferries have become: less frequent, slower, more expensive and more unreliable
- Work with firms to set up rival cross-Solent services
- Engage with Government – and get a commitment to a review
