Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said the Isle of Wight must become a more attractive destination to boost its economy, while calling for planning processes to be relaxed to help encourage development and business growth.
Speaking to Island Echo ahead of Monday evening’s sold-out Reform rally on the Isle of Wight, Farage discussed a range of local issues, including tourism, ferry travel, planning policy and the role of local government in supporting economic growth.
The interview took place overlooking the 1,500-strong crowd gathering for the evening rally, whilst Nigel enjoyed a glass of locally-produced Mermaid Gin. Earlier in the day, he had enjoyed lunch at The Lifeboat in East Cowes, accompanied by a ‘very, very good pint’.
Questioned on the Island’s economy, Farage said attracting more visitors would be key to strengthening the Isle of Wight’s future. He acknowledged that while the Isle of Wight remains a popular destination, its overall offer must continue to improve if it is to draw greater numbers of visitors and investment.
Nigel said:
“More people need to come to the Island, don’t they?
“There is only one answer and that’s to make the Island a more attractive destination. If more people come, then you start to solve some of the problems.”
During the discussion, the cost of ferry travel was raised by local journalists, with it noted that a commercial Ford Transit can face a return fare of around £350 when travelling to and from the Isle of Wight.
Farage, responding with surprise by saying “Good God… that’s unbelievable”, admitted he had not realised the scale of the cost but acknowledged the challenge ferry costs present for Island businesses.
Despite recognising the issue, Farage said there was no easy solution to ferry pricing but reiterated that increasing demand for travel to the Isle of Wight would help strengthen the Island’s economy.
Farage also suggested that planning processes on the Isle of Wight could be streamlined to help encourage investment and commercial development.
He said:
“Getting a proposal in for planning for a commercial development or whatever it is can take way too long.
“If that could be streamlined a little bit, you might start to become more attractive.”
He added that local authorities have several tools available to help stimulate economic growth, including decisions around business rates, enterprise areas and how planning policy is interpreted:
“There is stuff local government can do.
“If you have a friendly local administration that understands small business, there are things they can do to make it better.”
His words come just weeks before Islanders are set to go to the polls, on 7th May, to determine the future leadership of the Isle of Wight Council. Reform is expected to stand in every single ward.
The Reform leader also spoke about the wider challenges facing coastal communities across the UK, stating that coastal communities – like the Isle of Wight – are somewhat ignored. He said such communities are ‘left behinds’ in so many ways, particularly when looking at educational attainment and economic opportunity.
Earlier in the day, Nigel, Suella Braverman and their entourage visited Isle of Wight College’s CECAMM site in Whippingham. He said he was ‘massively impressed’ and declared that the interaction with employers and the culture of the place is as good as he has seen anywhere in the country.
Ros Parker, CEO and Principal of the College, says:
“We had the opportunity to discuss the importance of Further Education and skills on the Island, which is vital to creating the workforce of the future for our employers”.
He also took time to speak to local business leaders, including representatives from the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, to better understand the specific challenges that Islanders face.
I was there last night and it was a great turnout. 1500 plus. Hundreds of people couldn’t get tickets either. I’ve voted Tory for most of my life but this guy Farage is something else. Charismatic, a true leader and if last night was anything to go on hundreds are moving to Reform. Great to see a lot of 20/30 year olds in the audience as well. Certainly getting my vote. Great night!
So you are still voting Tory
Lol
Reform is full of Tory rejects
I guess I understand exactly how you feel. Way back in 2016 I witnessed one of his Brexit Party rallies at Mytchett, Surrey – deep in the heart of Cameron’s territory. Truly inspirational in front of 2000+ This time I watched the IW event live on YouTube – along with 34,000 others – so far.
He’s good, the establishment know it, and they’ll play hard and dirty. Hang on tight!
More visitors, lol
Are Reform going to pay the extortionate boat fares!!
Me thinks not.
Farage was unaware of the cost so it would seem he didn’t pay his own fare. When he shows he can solve Clacton’s tourism difficulties will be the time to start looking to him for advice re the Island. Words are cheap.
Oh dear, yet another overner who has completely misunderstood the Island!
Farage suggesting that the planning processes on the Isle of Wight could be streamlined to help encourage investment and commercial development has got it totally wrong.
Good grief man, concreting the Island over is not the answer. The ferries are the problem, access to the Island is the problem. Until you solve that, people will just not come!
Its time to invest in transport, whether that be by ferry subsidies that Scotland enjoys or the less popular fixed link idea, something needs to be done.
Its not like we are asking much, if the Scots get subsidies then why not the Island? We just want to be treated fairly and not ignored like we have been for so long!
Farage doesn’t have a clue, another Davos WEF Puppet
I cannot wait until the next election and yes Reform
will win, and when they don’t deliver on their promises
All the numpties will be crying like babies.
Roll on the next election. Tissues at the ready.
Realistically, the fixed link will require more investment than either government will provide or the private sector consider unless they can impose tolls as high as the ferry costs. Ferry subsidies and regulation of their fare structures must surely be the answer?
Interesting but somewhat confusing that you warn of the dangers of concreting over the Island and yet offer a fixed link as a possible solution to our problems. I don’t think it takes much understanding of modern life to realise what would happen with a fixed link, or in common terms, a bridge. Concrete mixers would go into overdrive as people would be able to buy a house and live on the Island and commute to work on the mainland just a ten minute drive away. The beauty of the Island liesin its remoteness and difficulty of access despite its proximity to the ‘ North Island.’ Destroy that and you will end up with just another giant, overpopulated concrete raft horrendously polluted with noise, traffic and people. If you don’t get that, take a day trip to Hayling Island ( where I was born) and, horror of horrors, Portsmouth…
If you want to make the Isle of Wight more attractive, you won’t do it by concreting over every green field for free housing for the chavs
Well said!
Politicians don’t have a clue.
The irony of Nigel Posh Farage discussing ferries having travelled over by helicopter and back by private boat. Please do not think that this man and his distinctly Moseley mates have your best interests at heart.
My thoughts exactly, numpties fool for this
Sh@T, so gullible.
Bless them all.
Hear, hear
He is a vile human being! I’d rather not vote at all than vote for him. Just pops over here with no knowledge of our island but wanting our votes. He couldn’t care less about the people here or the issues we’re facing. It’s easy to spout off solutions willy nilly and promptly leave again. As it was said, not using the ferries so he’s no clue of the costs we have to deal with it the delays and problems on a daily basis.
We don’t need more people living here! Clogging up the system and corrupting our streets, there’s been enough of that already. Help to sort out our council tax, water board and ferries, hospital and schools. But we don’t want a racist reformist in power either thank you!
Those who are tempted by Farage’s smooth talking and faux ‘man of the people’ persona, should understand that he will say and promise anything that he thinks will fool people into voting for him. You need to look at the record of the Reform councils that were voted in last time to see if he carries through on his promises. He’s a nasty piece of work.
How many other party leaders have bothered to visit the isand recently then?