MP Raises Concerns Over ETS Impact On Isle Of Wight Ferry Fares At PMQs

Richard Quigley, MP for the Isle of Wight, used Prime Minister’s Questions earlier this month to highlight growing worries about the potential impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) on ferry services to the Island.

He warned that without an exemption, ferry fares could increase further, putting extra pressure on residents, businesses, and visitors.

Quigley’s intervention follows months of discussions with ferry operators and government ministers, including two meetings with the Minister for Industry since October 2025.

The Minister has welcomed ongoing collaboration with Isle of Wight MPs and acknowledged the significant effects the ETS could have on the Island’s connectivity and economy.

Last week, Quigley sent a letter to the Minister stating:

“The Isle of Wight cannot afford the costs of the ETS being applied to our ferry services.”

Speaking during PMQs, he described the Isle of Wight as “a fantastic place to live, work and learn” but highlighted longstanding concerns around cross-Solent transport, including reliability, frequency, and cost.

Addressing the Prime Minister, Quigley added:

“With the Emissions Trading Scheme – which ironically only applies to a hybrid vessel – now set to push fares even higher, despite exemptions for Scottish services, and the Island lacking the grid capacity to fully decarbonise, I am deeply concerned about the impact on our community.

"Will the Prime Minister urgently ask DESNZ Ministers to review this issue to ensure that the Isle of Wight does not face enforced fare increases?”

In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“I know how important affordable ferries are for his constituents’ everyday lives.

"The ETS scheme will make journeys cleaner, and we’re working with ferry companies on grid connections in ports to enable greener vessels.

"I’ll make sure he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.”

Quigley’s comments underline ongoing concerns over the financial and environmental challenges facing cross-Solent ferry services and the wider impact on Island communities.