More Roads Policing Officers Secured - February 2022
I campaigned, and achieved, the return of Road Police Officers to the Isle of Wight, as well as increasing the size of the Road Police/Armed Response Unit from nine to 14 officers.
National Forum for UK Islands - February 2022
The Government, at my suggestion, has instigated a national forum for UK islands to enable them to work together.
Cleaning Up Isle of Wight Waters - January 2022
I secured a commitment from Southern Water for the Island to become one of its priority national ‘pathfinder’ schemes, investing millions into significantly improving Island drainage and sewage systems. It is the most ambitious such programme from Southern Water in the UK.
£6 million Secured for East Cowes - October 2021
I ensured that the Island’s Levelling Up project was prioritised and included in the first round of bids. The money will buy a large vessel lifting crane for the East Cowes shipyard, enabling bids for more work, and creating more jobs and wealth in East Cowes.
Insurance Scheme for Festivals and Events - August 2021
I worked with MPs to persuade the Government to agree an insurance scheme for festivals and events during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Solent Freeport – February 2021
The Government agreed to include almost all of the Island in the Solent freeport area.
Tourism VAT Cut – September 2020
Working with other MPs, I lobbied the Chancellor to temporarily cut VAT on tourism and hospitality businesses to five percent, helping Island tourism businesses recover during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Venture Quays Purchase to Secure Future of Shipbuilding – July 2020
Working with the then Conservative-led Council, we secured the Venture Quays site, at good value to the taxpayer, to ensure the future of shipbuilding on the Island, protecting hundreds of jobs.
Island Line Saved from Closure – September 2019
We saved Island Line from possible closure by securing its future. Working with the then Conservative-led Council, we gained a £26 million upgrade to the rolling stock, stations and track - the first significant investment in over 50 years.
£48 million Invested in Healthcare Facilities – August 2019
I successfully lobbied ministers to support the excellent bid put in by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust for the £48 million upgrade in facilities at St Mary’s.
The former Chief Executive at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Maggie Oldham, said: “I would like to thank our local MP, Bob Seely, for all of his support and for working so hard to get the Isle of Wight the recognition it deserves.
I have done the same with the additional millions secured for the IW College investment.
Government Recognition of Island Costs – December 2018
For the first time in the Island’s history, I persuaded Government to accept that it costs more to provide services on the Island, meaning that for the first time the island was effectively recognised as an ‘island’ by the Government.
Priority Funding Status for Arts Investment – May 2018
I secured priority funding status from the Arts Council for Isle of Wight arts organisations, aiding all future bids.
One outcome was the establishment of FilmWight, the Island’s dedicated film unit which has helped encourage and support film-making on the Isle of Wight.
Sandown School Saved from Closure - September 2017
Working with the then Conservative-led Council, we blocked Department for Education attempts to close Sandown school and saved the school from closure.
It is now thriving as an all-through school.
