Isle Of Wight MP Calls For New Law To Regulate Ferry Services

Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson yesterday (Wednesday) introduced a proposed new law in Parliament aimed at improving ferry services — including those serving the Island.

Following Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Robertson brought forward the Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill under the “10-minute rule motion.”

The Bill seeks to regulate ferry operations across the UK, including cross-Solent routes, in a similar way to how train and bus services are already managed.

Currently, there are no national rules governing how ferry operators set prices, timetables, or service standards.

Mr Robertson says this leaves island communities like the Isle of Wight dependent on unregulated private companies for vital transport links.

The proposed law aims to make ferry services more reliable and affordable, and to bring them in line with the wider public transport system.

The Bill has received cross-party support, with backing from MPs representing five political parties across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland — including Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West.

Mr Robertson is also seeking to amend the Government’s English Devolution Bill to ensure any future Mayor for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight would have powers to regulate cross-Solent ferry services.

During his speech in the House of Commons, Mr Robertson highlighted the difference between the regulation of trains and buses — which must meet government standards on pricing, timetables and performance — and the lack of similar oversight for ferries.

“Those who provide public transport do so with certain conditions imposed upon them,” he said.

“Train and bus operators are required to offer fair pricing and publish performance data.

"But ferry companies, which so many island and coastal communities depend on, face no such national standards.”

The East Wight MP also directly addressed the ferry operators:

“If I had the owners of Wightlink and Red Funnel in front of me now, I’d say this: we are tired of your methods, tired of your rip-off prices, and tired of funding your ballooning bank debts.

"You should be providing a lifeline service — which the taxpayer helped you maintain during Covid.”

Mr Robertson added that ferry companies should welcome regulation if they truly care about passengers.

He recently met with Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP, who committed to holding regular meetings with both Isle of Wight MPs to discuss ferry issues.

However, Mr Robertson warned that “warm words” must be followed by “tangible action.”

The Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill will now enter a ballot of backbench bills for possible debate on 28 November 2025.

The Government has not yet taken a position on the proposal.