Joe Robertson Slams Government Decision To Scrap Islands Forum As A “Disgrace.”

Joe Robertson has slammed the Government’s decision to cancel the Islands Forum set up in 2022 under the last government a “disgrace.”

In a letter to Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, a minister in the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the East Wight MP accuses the Government of taking money from the Isle of Wight and giving it to “northern cities.”

Mr Robertson’s letter is in reply to the Government ‘s recent decision to cancel the Island’s Forum and Connectivity Project set up in 2022 by the last government.

In her letter she told local Council Leaders and MPs:

“It is clear the issues that matter most to islanders stretch beyond my department’s priorities and direct control.

"It is therefore with regret that, against the backdrop of a difficult financial inheritance and tough spending choices, I have concluded that the Islands Forum should not continue in its previous form.

"For the same reasons, we will also not progress the Islands Forum Connectivity Project.”

Mr Robertson said in his letter:

“While I recognise that your Government may wish to take a revised approach to improving outcomes for islands, it should not cancel this important programme without something substantive to replace it with.

"Your unilateral decision without any consultation with MPs is particularly concerning for the Isle of Wight.

"Some people were optimistic that a new government might take a fresh approach to the challenges faced by our unique island community.

"Sadly, the fresh approach seems to be much worse than anything that has gone before. Increased tax and funding cuts to hand over more money to northern cities."

Mr Robertson continued:

“Islanders are facing a perfect storm – cuts to Council funding, blocked access to devolution funding, a tax on car ferries and possible taxation powers on overnight visitors, all at the hands of the Government.

"Ending the Island Forums removes one of the few mechanisms specifically designed to ensure our island voice is heard in Westminster and Whitehall.”

Mr Robertson has asked for an urgent response from Government ahead of the Isle of Wight Council’s budget vote on 25^th February.