MP Bob Seely has once again made the case to Government for additional cash to support the Island through and beyond the Covid-19 outbreak.
In a video conference call with Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay MP, Bob again argued that further Government funding was urgently needed by the IW Council and the tourism and hospitality sector.
The call was part of ongoing efforts by Bob to make sure the Island’s needs are recognised by Government.
He said: “There will be further statements from Government next month on the economy as a whole and on support to local government. I want to make sure the needs of the IW Council and the Island’s economy are made clear to Government before it announces this next wave of support.
"As we come out of lockdown, I will continue to fight the Island’s corner. The furlough scheme has saved jobs on the Island, we now need to give ourselves the best chance to keep those jobs in the medium and long term.
"Our tourism economy is struggling as the holiday season has been decimated and it is vital that this sector is supported through lockdown.
“There are also other sectors outside the visitor economy that we must preserve and develop including green energy technology and shipbuilding. I am in continual dialogue with the council and the Solent LEP to ensure the case we make to Government is compelling and consistent.”
Bob said the call to Mr Barclay was part of a rolling programme of meetings with ministers to plead the Island’s case. Earlier in the week, he wrote a joint letter with IW Council Leader Dave Stewart to Local Government Minister Simon Clarke.
“While the Island has had success already in attracting additional funding we are in unchartered times and the Government is facing similar requests for assistance from authorities and industries across the UK.
“What I can promise is that I will continue to knock at every relevant Government door to make the Island’s case and try my best to make sure the Island is at the front of the queue for support.”