East Wight MP Invites Prime Minister To Visit Isle Of Wight

East Wight MP Joe Robertson has invited Prime Minister Andy Burnham to visit the Isle of Wight to hear directly from Islanders about the cost-of-living pressures they face.

Mr Robertson has written to the Prime Minister following his announcement of a UK-wide cost-of-living tour, during which he says he will be in “listening mode” and meeting people in their communities.

The MP says he is concerned the focus of the tour has been on the north of England, with assumptions being made that the Isle of Wight is part of a wealthy South East.

He says the cost of providing essential services, accessing education and running a business can be more challenging on the Island.

Mr Robertson has also criticised the cost of travelling across the Solent, particularly by car ferry.

He says Islanders are being “ripped off” by the private equity interests which own and operate the Island's car ferry services, and has called on the Prime Minister to take action.

The MP says return ferry crossings costing hundreds of pounds should become a thing of the past.

Mr Robertson also referred to a previous conversation with Mr Burnham during the Railways Bill Committee, saying the Prime Minister appeared sympathetic to the Island’s “precarious position” in relation to transport.

He is now asking Mr Burnham to visit the Isle of Wight and speak directly to Islanders about the specific cost-of-living pressures they face.

Andy Burnham became Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader on 20 July.

He is due to face MPs for the first time at Prime Minister’s Questions next Wednesday, 2 September.