Island MP Slams Labour And Ferry Firms As Isle Of Wight Tourism Row Erupts At Tory Conference

The Isle of Wight’s tourism and hospitality industries took centre stage at the Conservative Party Conference this week.

East Wight MP Joe Robertson — who also serves as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Culture, Media and Sport team — spoke on the main stage about how a future Conservative government would aim to support the sector.

Mr Robertson said tourism in the UK was “one of the most overtaxed sectors across Europe”, and highlighted an announcement from Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride promising 100 per cent permanent business rate relief for hospitality and leisure businesses.

He also criticised the Labour Government’s changes to National Insurance, claiming they risk discouraging employers from taking on young people:

“For a lot of young people, especially on the Isle of Wight, their first job is in tourism and hospitality.

"The Government has disincentivised employing young people — bad for young people, bad for the local economy and bad for tourism.”

Meanwhile, Donna Jones, the Conservative candidate for Hampshire and Solent Mayor, said that if elected, she would push for regulatory powers over ferry services to be included in her remit:

“I will demand government hand over regulatory powers and ensure accountability over prices and performance.”

Mr Robertson also criticised ferry operators, suggesting their pricing and reliability were damaging the Island’s tourism sector.