PRO-LINK, the campaign group pushing for a fixed link between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, have announced they are supporting Julie Jones-Evans to become the next MP for the Isle of Wight.
Julie confirmed in 2016 that she wholeheartedly supports any request to the Department for Transport for a comprehensive Isle of Wight fixed link feasibility study. True to her word, she has included this decision in her election manifesto ahead of next month’s general election.
PRO-LINK say that even though the subject of cross Solent travel is proven to be the most fundamental cause of socio-economic deprivation on the Island, other candidates are unwilling to support even the discussion of a fixed link.
Julie Jones-Evans (Independent) has said:
“We need to have the Government funded feasibility study to enable an informed and reasonable debate on this most divisive subject. It may show that it’s not possible or that it is possible, but until we have the facts how can we move forward and away from the current situation?
“If I become the next MP for the Island, I will continue to lobby Government for recognition of our island status and a develop a healthy working relationship with the ferry companies. I don’t think it is a practical proposition to take the ferries into public ownership, as far as I know no progress has been made on this over the years, so we must take a pragmatic and realistic approach to our connectivity issues and work to overcome them for the future wellbeing and prosperity of the island”.
Editor’s footnote: This article was scheduled for publication at 16:03 on Monday afternoon, prior to the shocking Manchester terror attack which has seen election campaigning halted. Unfortunately, it was not possible to reschedule the publication of this article prior to the live time of 09:25.
Island Echo would like to apologise for any offensive caused.
