Richard Quigley MP used his question at Prime Minister’s Questions today (Wednesday) to raise growing local concerns about the impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) on Isle of Wight ferry services.
The Isle of Wight West MP warned that, without an exemption, ferry fares could rise further – placing increased pressure on Island residents, businesses, and visitors.
Richard’s intervention follows months of engagement with ferry operators and Ministers, including discussions dating back to October 2025. He has held 2 meetings with the Minister for Industry, who has welcomed continued collaboration with both Isle of Wight MPs and acknowledged the serious implications the ETS could have for the Island’s connectivity and economy.
Last week, Richard published a letter to the Minister stating clearly that:
“The Isle of Wight cannot afford the costs of the ETS being applied to our ferry services.”
During PMQs, Richard described the Isle of Wight as ‘a fantastic place to live, work and learn’, but reiterated longstanding concerns about cross-Solent transport, including reliability, frequency, and cost. He noted that these issues have been the subject of previous discussions with the Prime Minister.
Addressing the Prime Minister directly, Richard said:
“With the Emissions Trading Scheme (which ironically only applies to a hybrid vessel) now set to increase fares further – despite exemptions granted for Scottish services and the Island lacking the grid capacity to fully decarbonise – I am deeply concerned about the impact on our island community.
“Will the Prime Minister urgently ask DESNZ Ministers to review this issue, to ensure that the Isle of Wight does not face enforced increases to fares?”
In response, the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:
“I know how important affordable ferries are for his constituents’ everyday lives. The ETS scheme will make journeys cleaner and we’re working with ferry companies on the grid connections in ports to enable greener vessels I’ll make sure he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister”.
