Press Release and Charter
You can view the charter here – https://www.wug.org.uk/the-islanders-charter/
For Immediate Release:
A ground-breaking collaboration between the Island’s political leaders has led to the creation of an Islanders’ Charter, outlining key priorities for cross-Solent ferry services.
The document sets the framework for meeting the Island’s needs while balancing commercial considerations.
The innovative approach was agreed by Councillor Phil Jordan, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, IW East MP Joe Robertson and IW West MP Richard Quigley. Following individual meetings with Maritime Minister Mike Kane, the three leaders recognised the urgency of presenting a unified stance reflecting the importance to Islanders of cross-Solent services. Rather than merely listing all the long-standing problems, they have worked together on a shared blueprint designed to guide the operators’ future approach on how to deliver the needs of the Island and support the Island’s economy, which will ultimately lead to the success of their own businesses.
The Islanders’ Charter is a principle-led document, focusing on transparency, reliability, fair pricing, service standards, and future investment. Not intended to dictate exact pricing models or timetables, it instead lays the fundamental principles that operators must meet, offering clarity over long-term expectations for both ferry companies and Island residents.
For the first time in many years, the Island’s leaders have presented a cross-party, non-political statement, providing a united vision for improved ferry services.
Councillor Phil Jordan described the charter as a “significant step forward” in fighting for Islanders’ rights and improving services.
“This is a united front aimed at bringing about meaningful change,” he emphasised. “We’re moving away from simply highlighting what’s wrong – this charter sets out clear, long-term principles to ensure services are accountable and fair.
“The IW Council has voted unanimously that the current situation is not good enough. This renewed approach focuses on the basic principles that will deliver better services for our Island and for Islanders.
“If ferry operators do truly care about this community, they should have no problem meeting, or exceeding, these standards – doing so makes economic sense for all parties, including their own businesses.”
The new collaborative approach aims to give ferry operators and their owners clear expectations, to ensure the Island’s unique needs are prioritised and addressed meaningfully.
Mr Quigley focused on the real-life impact unreliable ferry services have on Islanders. “None of us want to get up in the morning and start a fight with the ferry companies,” he said. “But it’s the most common issue raised with me and is a real barrier to opportunity for Islanders.
“This charter signals that we’re united, determined, and ready to pursue practical solutions.”
There was agreement from Mr Robertson, who added: “I agree with the new direction the charter seeks to create. A role for government and accountability for the ferry operators which should put the interests of Islanders above shareholders.
“The ferries provide a lifeline service that Islanders are completely dependent on, and they should run individual services which may not be profitable on their own. This is entirely consistent with the way trains and buses operate all over the UK – plus Scottish ferries. The Isle of Wight’s transport links to the mainland should be no different.”
The Islanders’ Charter sends a strong message to ferry operators and potential stakeholders. With clear principles on the table, the document will help operators make sure their services meet the needs of the community they serve while maintaining commercial viability.
Ends
