Could the case for government getting involved in improving cross-Solent transport go before an influential Whitehall committee?

That's the hope of Ian Wellby, an Island-based Conservative who is rumoured to be throwing his hat into the ring to be the Tory candidate for the new Isle of Wight East constituency at the next election.

Mr Wellby, who is a trustee of the Island branch of the CPRE and describes himself as a prominent Conservative campaigner, has called on Parliament to investigate the Island’s ferry companies.

In a submission to the Transport Select Committee’s call for evidence, he argues cross- Solent travel represents a critical lifeline service ill-suited to unregulated private ownership.

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In his submission, he outlines the adverse impact of poor cross-Solent connectivity on Islanders, highlighting issues ranging from limiting access to specialist mainland healthcare treatment through to poor inter-connectivity with the national rail network.

The submission also claims high fares and irregular services are holding back the Island’s economy, citing problems such as expensive and slow business deliveries through to people travelling to and from work who rely on a regular service often being let down.

He suggests further government intervention is required to deliver a higher level service, more in line with subsidised Scottish island ferry provision.

Ian’s submission follows a request made in December 2020 by Conservative MP Bob Seely and the then Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr Dave Stewart calling on the connectivity review of the time to investigate cross-Solent travel.

Ian said: “Islanders are the victim of a botched privatisation, leaving cross-Solent transport exclusively in the hands of private companies providing services entirely at their own discretion, without any public service obligation typically associated with lifeline infrastructure.

"This has resulted in the high ticket prices, lack of winter services and the poor railway connectivity we suffer from today.

"The Island gets a bad deal versus other regions of the UK. Scottish ferries are subsidised (through the Barnett formula) by the UK Government, while patients travelling to the mainland from the Isles of Scilly have their fares capped to just £5.

"Our problems won’t be solved via complaints and petitions alone – we also need meaningful intervention from the highest level.

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"I therefore hope the Transport Select Committee will now listen to our concerns and investigate the imposition of a public service obligation on cross Solent travel, and finally deliver the meaningful long-term improvement in connectivity Islanders deserve.”