Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, is due to chair the second Islands Forum, which is being held on the Isle of Wight tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday. 

 

Earlier this year, when the dates were announced, Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said: "I am delighted the Secretary of State is coming to the Isle of Wight.

"The Islands Forum is a collective voice for the islands of the UK and a direct line to Government.

"I campaigned to make this happen because it is a way for the Isle of Wight, working with other islands, to make its voice heard at the heart of government."

As previously reported by the Isle of Wight County Press, via the Local Democracy Reporter, Louise Hill, the leader of the Isle of Wight Council is promising to be outspoken about our needs.

The theme of this week's forum (the second to be held) will be sustainable economic growth, focussing on innovation and skills.

Sessions will be led by the Migration Advisory Committee and the Shetland Islands Council.

The two-day Islands Forum will see the Isle of Wight welcome representatives from ten UK islands, including the Western Isles in Scotland, Wales' Anglesey and Rathlin, in Northern Ireland.

The first Island Forum took place in Orkney, in September and the issue of transitioning to net zero was discussed.

Speaking last year, Michael Gove MP said: "Island communities contribute richly to the UK and share their own unique set of challenges as well as opportunities.

"The Islands Forum creates a space for islanders to work together and give feedback directly to the Government, ensuring that islands can be even better places for people to work and live."