The Isle of Wight's MPs say they are putting party politics aside to tackle the "increasing problems" with Island ferries.

Both Joe Robertson, IW East MP, and Richard Quigley, IW West MP, have individually met with government ministers in recent weeks.

The IW East MP (Conservative) sat down with transport secretary Louise Haigh and said she appears "genuinely receptive" to the idea of including cross-Solent operators in plans to nationalise the railways.

Over the past six months, the IW West MP (Labour) has also been in discussions with her and recently met with business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, too.

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Richard Quigley said: “While not specifically a problem for Jonathan Reynold’s and his team, he was shocked to hear of the increasing problems and cost of crossing the Solent.

"I explained that unreliable and expensive ferry travel has become a barrier to opportunity for individuals, but it is also affecting businesses. 

"The new Labour government has a bold industrial strategy and the Island needs to be part of it."

Joe Robertson said: “I pressed the case for government intervention in cross-Solent transport so that we are no longer beholden to an unregulated market where making money for shareholders is the primary objective.

"The Labour government will be nationalising the railways via an integrated transport bill so this is an excellent opportunity to look at regulating ferries.

"The secretary of state appeared genuinely receptive to the idea of including ferry services in her plans.”

Following the General Election earlier this month, the two MPs had agreed to work together for the good of the Island, despite being of opposing parties.

They said spending their first few weeks in Westminster raising the issue, demonstrates their willingness to do so.

“We’ve said all along that two voices in Westminster, speaking up for the Island, will be better than one", Richard Quigley said.

"The growing issues with the ferries are too big to let party politics get in the way. There’ll be plenty of other issues we approach differently.”

Joe Robertson said: “With a new government sitting on a large parliamentary majority, and two MPs working together, we have the best chance of finally dealing with the ferries in a way that is fair for residents.”