Two of the Isle of Wight’s most pressing issues were discussed at a full council meeting at County Hall tonight (Wednesday, September 18), with a particular focus on the Island’s ongoing ferry crisis. 

Councillors raised concerns about the reliability, cost, and future of ferry services, culminating in a unanimous vote to take urgent action.

The meeting saw Isle of Wight Council leader Phil Jordan present his Leader's Update Report, which highlighted the council’s intent to approach the government about the ferry situation and the ExxonMobil Solent CO2 Pipeline. 

The discussion on ferries took centre stage, with councillors expressing Islanders’ growing frustrations.

Cllr Michael Lilley, who represents Ryde Appley and Elmfield, submitted a motion calling for urgent meetings with ferry operators Red Funnel and Wightlink. 

His motion aimed to address Islanders' anger over current ferry services and seek reassurances about their reliability during the upcoming winter months.

Cllr Ed Blake, representing Ventnor and St Lawrence, echoed these concerns, urging the council to appeal to the government over what he described as “more expensive,” “less regular,” and “less reliable” ferry services. 

His motion advocated for bringing the “entirely privatised” and “unregulated” Solent ferry services under “democratic control,” arguing that the current model is no longer appropriate for the Island.

During the meeting, Cllr Lilley combined his motion with Cllr Blake’s, and both criticised the ferry companies for failing to meet the needs of Islanders. 

Cllr Lilley said his problems with the ferry services are inequality and “human rights”, adding that he is “fearful” of further deterioration in services over the winter. 

Cllr Paul Brading voiced strong support for the motion, accusing the ferry companies of “mugging off” Islanders and “holding us to ransom.” 

Cllr Joe Robertson, who also serves as MP for IW East, endorsed the motion.

Ahead head of the vote, Cllr Blake emphasised that the council has a duty to alleviate the problems with ferry services.

The council voted unanimously in favour of Cllr Blake and Cllr Lilley’s combined motion.