Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley says the Labour government is “open to helping find a solution” to the ferry crisis following a meeting with a minister.

Mr Quigley met with Mike Kane, the Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, on Wednesday (September 11).

This meeting marked the first time the two MPs had sat down together, providing Mr Quigley an opportunity to brief the minister on growing concerns about cross-Solent travel.

During the meeting, Mr Quigley raised the difficulties faced by Islanders due to unreliable ferry services and highlighted the ‘failure of successive Conservative governments to take the issue seriously’.

WATCH: Richard Quigley's maiden speech in the House of Commons (Wednesday, September 11)

Video courtesy of Parliament Live TV

He expressed optimism following the discussion, stating: “The Minister and I discussed the increasing issues with ferry travel to and from the Island at length. And we also discussed the need to find solutions.”

“The good thing is that both the minister and those at the Department for Transport are, for the first time, not only aware of the issues Islanders face but are actually on our side. They’re open to helping find a solution.”

Mr Quigley also met with Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh on the matter.

He praised his working relationship with Ms Haigh, commenting: “They get how issues with cross-Solent travel have become a barrier to the Island and a barrier to opportunity for Islanders.”

While Mr Quigley remains cautious about the pace of change, he is encouraged by the positive reception from the current government.

He added: “I’m under no illusion this will be a quick fix, but there’s a noticeable difference in the positive attitude of this government compared to the previous one."

The MP added that he will continue to press the matter at every opportunity he gets.