The Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats’ Parliamentary spokesperson Nick Belfitt has this week backed leader Vince Cable’s speech which calls for the party to have a ‘common sense approach’.
The speech, which highlighted key concerns including Brexit, the economy and the environment, touched on the many issues that Mr Belfitt has said are concerns on the Island.
Mr Belfitt said:
“Vince was very clear in his speech that we are the sensible alternative, we are the party putting common sense before ideology.”
The Island Lib Dems have also highlighted plans passed at conference to reduce small business rates. Nick Belfitt has backed the move by the party, arguing that it could bring significant support to the Island’s dwindling high streets.
“Local problems like the floating bridge can affect small businesses in the short term, but national business rates have been hitting Island businesses for a while. This is an important policy on the Island. Small businesses make up a huge part of the industry and giving them the freedom to grow is important. Speaking to a few small businesses in the high street, they felt their voice was lost, but the Lib Dems are listening and we have action.”
Nick Belfitt met with Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable for a second time in a few months and spoke to the leader about the Island and young people on the Island.
“Vince was great again, and he was interested about the Island. We spoke a bit about young people, those who don’t go to university. He talked about how we can help expand our apprenticeships and support our special marine services.”
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Mr Belfitt also met with Alistair Carmichael, Vice Chair of the APPG Island Group set up by Bob Seely. Mr Belfitt discussed about the Lib Dem Island Policy the local party had written.
Nick added:
“We wrote a wonderful document I had planned to put in if elected to give us an Island status but unfortunately, the result didn’t allow me to. But I won’t give up on securing the Island’s status, even if I am not an MP. I will continue to be in contact with him throughout this parliament.”
