Joe Robertson delivers his maiden speech
The newly-elected Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, delivered his maiden speech in Parliament yesterday during a debate about private school fees.
Joking that he now represents “the better half” of the Island, he praised residents for electing a Conservative MP, unlike their western neighbours.
As is traditional, Mr Robertson acknowledged his predecessor, Bob Seely, and his work on Russia, the Ukraine and international relations, also mentioning former MP Andrew Turner’s influence on his early interest in local activism.
Recognising the Island’s unique attractions, from rock festivals and dinosaur fossils to its sailing history, he expressed his hope that Sir Ben Ainsley and the British sailing team will bring back the Americas Cup to the Isle of Wight “where it belongs”. Praising East Wight towns and stressing the importance of tourism, he referred to Brading Roman Villa, the Wildheart Sanctuary, and Havenstreet Steam Railway.
Talking about the warmth of Islanders, he paid tribute to Sally Grylls and Kirsty Chapman as examples of community spirit, with Sally advocating for dementia care and support for family carers and Kirsty setting up the Better Days Café in Ventnor.
On policy, Mr Robertson drew attention to the urgent need for NHS reform, particularly on social care. Drawing on his experience working for charity, Dementia UK, he called for funding to be redirected to improve community services and reduce hospital admissions. He also raised concerns about the Island’s ferry services, urging government intervention to prevent the Island becoming “the only UK community entirely reliant on unregulated, foreign owned, debt-laden companies for essential travel.”
In a nod to the subject of the debate, Mr Robertson argued for a balanced understanding of independent schools, citing Ryde School’s contributions to the local community.
He concluded by committing to work across party lines alongside West Wight MP, Richard Quigley, to better the lives of Islanders.
