"I take my responsibility to constituents seriously" - MP's column

I set out quite clearly the unfairness of exemptions being granted to Scotland and Northern Ireland but not to the Island - despite our reliance on ferries. 

As the MP for Isle of Wight West, I take my responsibility to constituents seriously. 

But I worry the government has yet to take serious action on the issue. 

So, I will continue pressing the case against the ETS. And I will be taking the Minister up on their offer to visit the Island to see first-hand the challenges we face.

Also in Westminster, I was granted time in the Chamber to introduce my Ten Minute Rule Bill: the Eating Disorders (Training) Bill. 

These bills give backbench MPs a chance to propose new legislation and shine a spotlight on issues in need of urgent attention - something this subject certainly deserves. 

Improving support for people living with eating disorders is a cause close to my heart, and how important it is based on the number of constituents who have written to me. 

Early intervention can be lifesaving, yet too often families find themselves navigating a system that lacks the consistency, training, and confidence required to give people the care they need.

While Ten Minute Rule Bills rarely become law, my hope is that this will help drive momentum, raise awareness, and encourages the government to take bold, decisive action to close these gaps once and for all.

While work is needed on the ETS, the government’s recent £20m investment in Vestas, as well as the NCC’s launch of a new Large Structure Innovation Centre, puts the Island at the forefront of research and innovation.

Importantly, both will support skilled jobs on the Island as well as apprenticeships.

With it also being National Apprenticeship Week, I was delighted to attend the College’s Apprenticeship Awards. 

It was fantastic to see so many students being recognised for their hard work.

But it’s a reminder of why we need to work even harder as a community to support young people and provide opportunities for them to flourish.

Last October I brought Island businesses together for a Skills Summit. Following that, I’m now working collaboratively with Island businesses and community leaders to tackle the number of young islanders not in education, employment, or training (NEETs).

The Island’s renowned for innovation - we've just got to be better at shouting about it.

I’d encourage you to look at the brilliant Careers for Young People Programme which started as a pilot and has now won a King’s Award; that’s something we can all be proud of.