Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, has highlighted the importance of railways to the visitor economy and the vital role played by volunteers in heritage railways during a Westminster Hall debate.
During the Westminster Hall debate, Mr Robertson spoke of the importance of the railways and how railways transformed national infrastructure and opened up economic opportunities.
In 2025, Railway 200 is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, which launched on 27th September 1825 on the Stockton and Darlington line.
As part of the legacy of the railway network, Mr Robertson highlighted the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, an Arts Council England museum and educational charity. With the main station at Havenstreet, the steam railway operates a 10-mile round journey between Wootton and Smallbrook Junction.
Speaking in the Debate, Mr Robertson said:
“Heritage railways act as living museums that preserve the rich legacy of our railways, and they will be doing so up and down the country—an essential part of the 200th anniversary celebrations.
“While discussing heritage railways, I must mention the contribution of the heritage railway in my constituency, the Isle of Wight steam railway at Havenstreet, which welcomes over 110,000 visitors annually. It is not just a tourist destination; it is an accredited Arts Council England museum and educational charity, employing 35 staff and enriching our local economy—particularly the visitor economy—and our community.
“Heritage railways contribute £600 million to the UK economy and welcome 13 million visitors each year. None of that would be possible without the extraordinary contribution of volunteers.”
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The Isle of Wight Steam Railway relies on over 500 volunteers who play a crucial role in welcoming visitors, restoring rolling stock and maintaining the stations and buildings. The MP raised concerns about the barriers to volunteering, highlighting a 1920s law which means that under-16s are not able to volunteer within the heritage railway sector.
Mr Robertson added:
“In celebrating the 200th anniversary of our railways, we must do more to remove barriers to volunteers and offer more flexible opportunities that encourage people both young and old to volunteer.”
Marc Morgan Huws, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway said:
“I am pleased to see Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, showing his support for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in his speech on Heritage Railways.
“As the 4th largest visitor attraction on the Island, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway makes a significant contribution to both our local economy and the wider tourism sector.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers – from maintaining the railway to guiding visitors, they not only deliver valuable skills and training but also make a lasting impact on the wider community.”
All these volunteers and yet they charge so much
admission charges / entrance fees.
Have you any idea how much a steam engine and rolling stock cost to maintain?
obviously not!
blinkerd comment
You are correct, I don’t.
But I do know directors get the cream and there
ain’t no milk for the volunteers.
It’s called running a business.
All very commendable, but how about he emphasises the need for good quality Welsh Steam Coal, as well?