Islanders will get chance to add their voices to call for change on cross-Solent ferries
Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley has been working this week to advance a pre-election commitment by Labour officials to refer cross-Solent ferry companies to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Richard has been involved in meetings with senior figures in government, including the Secretary of State for Transport, to discuss how to progress the issue and address concerns over the market dynamics which adversely affect Isle of Wight residents and businesses.
The work centres on ensuring that the ferry companies, vital for economic stability and daily life on the Isle of Wight, operate in a manner that is fair, open and in the interests of the Island. Discussions have also touched on exploring legislative options that could bolster market efficiency and ensure better service, reliability and pricing for Islanders, businesses and the visitor economy.
Richard is also collaborating with Joe Robertson, Isle of Wight East MP, to further strengthen the initiatives being taken in parliament. Together, they plan to launch a platform to enable Islanders to show their support and share their ferry experiences, demonstrating that the Island is fully behind the cross-party efforts to bring about change.
“Islanders should not be subjected to unfair practices when it comes to essential ferry services,” said Richard. “Recently the Isle of Wight Council voted unanimously to support these joint efforts. We now want everyone who lives on or who loves the Isle of Wight to have the opportunity to show their support. That will include Islanders, parish councillors, community leaders, councillors and even peers of the realm. Our goal is to bring about a fair marketplace that benefits both residents and local businesses, ensuring economic growth and quality of life.
“We now know Red Funnel is up for sale; it is clear that at least one potential purchaser envisages more of the same ownership model. It is their money, they can do as they like; but if they proceed on the assumption that the future will be business as usual in the cross-Solent ferry market, they have a shock in store. Change is coming.”
Joe added: “This week I used my maiden speech in parliament to deliver the message that we cannot allow the situation to continue where Island residents are the only UK community entirely reliant on unregulated, foreign-owned, debt-laden companies for essential travel.
“During a debate in the House of Lords, Lord Fairfax also called for the government to intervene to ‘ensure minimum service levels with price caps and subsidies’. He asked why ‘Isle of Wight residents and visitors to the Island have to pay sometimes exorbitant, unsubsidised fares?’
“It is imperative we all pull together on this, the single most important issue that affects the Island’s future.”
