I always enjoy reading the County Press’s letters page - last week Tracey wrote on the subject of an Island Deal – and I'm always happy to provide an update.

When I became the Island’s MP, I promised a better deal for the Island.

I’d achieve that by working with everyone; the council, the NHS as well as private and public groups, to make sure we were listened to in Whitehall.

Rather than give you an opinion, I’ll let the facts speak for themselves.

The Island has seen over £120 million of extra investment since I became MP. That includes:

First, a £48m investment in the NHS – building work at St Mary’s is ongoing – and now also includes a new diagnostics centre to speed up the delivery of tests, scans and checks.

Second, £50m for Island Line and Ryde railway pier rebuilds. The pier work will be completed in late Spring and then Island Line will run a two trains per hour service.

Third, a heavy lift vessel crane has gone to East Cowes to help Island shipbuilding; that’ll create more jobs in shipbuilding on the Island.

Fourth, Isle of Wight College is receiving millions as part of its investment programme to offer more and better courses for younger Islanders.

There have been other achievements too.

We saved Sandown school from closure, secured the Venture Quays site for the good of the Island, we’re a priority investment area for Southern Water to improve sewage discharges, and a priority area for the Arts Council.

We’ve also got a Roads Policing Unit back on the Island, important as we have the most dangerous roads in Britain outside London.

There are also pilot schemes to make sure we are at the front of the queue for good ideas that improve our lives.

Islanders I talk with understand that getting a better deal for the Island is not a one-off bag of cash, but ensuring that, day in, day out, we are getting a better deal. That means better jobs, services and life opportunities for Islanders.

That is what I came into politics to achieve and, as I said, I’ll let the facts speak for themselves.

It is such a privilege to be the Island’s MP.  

There’s always more to do, but I promised a better deal and that’s what - working with others - I am delivering.