Letter to Minister for Industry

This letter was sent to the Minister for Industry to raise serious concerns about the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the proposed 15% levy on ferry services due to take effect from 1 July 2026. Writing on behalf of the Solent Transport Users’ Group, we set out the case that the levy will further increase already high cross-Solent travel costs, exacerbate workforce shortages in essential services, and unfairly disadvantage Isle of Wight residents when compared with exemptions granted to other island and peripheral communities. The letter calls on the Government to reconsider its position and to outline how the adverse impacts on island residents will be mitigated.