Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, Island Echo and the Isle of Wight Observer are once again joining forces to present State of the Island Debate – Travel & Tourism Special.
Influential voices from across the Isle of Wight will come together at All Saints Church in Ryde on Friday 12th June – in 3 weeks’ time – to discuss some of the biggest challenges facing the Island, with this year’s debate focusing on cross-Solent travel, the condition of the Island’s roads, tourism and the wider economy.
Confirmed panellists include Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East), Richard Quigley MP (Isle of Wight West) and Dominic Wray of Visit Isle of Wight, with further names set to be announced in the coming days.
The free-to-attend debate will once again be chaired by Marc Morgan-Huws, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Attendees will have the opportunity to put their questions directly to the panel, with significantly more time being allocated to questions from the floor following feedback from last year’s event.
The 2025 debate sparked important conversations around several Island issues, including concerns raised about the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Service. Those discussions contributed to increased scrutiny of the service and have directly resulted in significant change, to the benefit of Island families.
Given the popularity of last year’s event, capacity has been increased to more than 500 attendees. However, tickets remain on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets are available for free and can be reserved at www.iw.observer/state-of-the-island.
On the night, we will be inviting donations to Daisy Ring Bus, a volunteer-run transport service helping Isle of Wight Cancer patients reach mainland hospitals safely and with kindness.
Doors will open at 18:00, with refreshments available. The debate will get underway at 19:00 prompt, concluding at 21:00.
Limited disabled parking is available at the church on Queens Road, Ryde (PO33 3BG). Parking is also available on-street (West Street/Lind Street/Garfield Road/Victoria Street) and in nearby Council-run car parks (Lind Street/Victoria Street).
Carole Dennett, Editor of IW Observer, has said:
“The Island faces complex challenges which include concerns about our economy and transport, so fostering open dialogue through events such as State of the Island Debate is more important than ever.
“We are very different organisations, but this collaboration between the IW Observer and Island Echo reflects our shared commitment to independent journalism that puts the needs of the Island at its heart.”
Darren Toogood, Editor/Publisher of Island Echo, adds:
“This debate is all about giving Islanders the opportunity to have their voices heard directly by those in positions of influence and responsibility.
“Last year’s event showed just how powerful public scrutiny and open discussion can be, with issues raised during the debate leading to genuine change here on the Isle of Wight.
“I’d encourage anyone who cares about the future of the Island – whether that’s our transport links, tourism industry, roads or wider economy – to come along, ask questions and be part of the conversation.”
The event will kickstart Indie News Week 2026 (15th-21st June), a national celebration of the independent news sector, strengthening democracy, holding power to account, creating pride in place and fostering civic participation.
Being the NHS does not provide all the services we pay for.
The NHS budget should cover transportation costs for patients
to the mainland.
If living on the mainland and an hospital does not cater for ones requirements and you get transferred to another hospital, the patient
doesn’t have to pay transportation fees.
It’s a joke that the Daisy bus only runs on donations and
island residents seeking treatment/appointments on the mainland
have to pay ferry fares.
It is true IW residents pay for travel to have mainland NHS treatment. But it can be claimed back. You can pick up the forms from St. Mary’s. There is also the option of staying in a hotel if you are having treatment like radiotherapy. This is paid for and you don’t have to spend a pound. You even get a £25 contribution towards an evening meal. For one person that easily covers the entire meal.
I wasn’t aware of this, so it should be.
Tourism is dying on the island due to extortionate
ferry prices.
Yes ferries are overpriced rip offs, but who would come here to see a few 3rd rate attractions that are also overpriced, the island IS finished.
You are spot on, many eateries also charge more to
dine in than the big smoke.
The island is finished. I have stopped eating out.
Why no one from the Ferry Companies? The ONLY way to get the Island back on its feet is to stop the £400+ return fares, more than a weeks campsite fees! We are in the same financial state as in 2008 and the only people making a living from tourism seem to be Whitelink and Red Funnel. We are getting poorer whilst Ferries are getting richer.. surely that is not right.
even if you had wightlink hand over all its after tax profits, to be divided between islanders as a whole, it would barely even be £2 a week each – your whining about whitelink davimel is flawed.
Mmmm seems to be a constant with some folk…. however, if you think that a £500 return is acceptable then yes my comments are flawed. If you think buying a ferry company to prop up other subsidiaries and avoiding a tax burden by using said profits overseas is a good thing then my comments are flawed, If you think my comments related to giving profits to Islanders then your comments are flawed. If you think that ferry companies that make very healthy profits by increasing fares and reducing reliability is acceptable, then again your comments are flawed. A one hour journey should not cost more than a week in Spain, to me they are profiteering. Find me a ferry that costs the same as our two for the same distance, and I might accept a flaw.
the way to stimulate economic growth is to cut taxes, cut red tape, cut welfare and hand back money in form of tax cuts to those that actually work
that has worked time and time again – greedy mp’s and councillors are only interested in stealing more money from people in the form of taxes for yet another BS reason.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a system whereby Councilors and MP’s could raise these types of concerns in their respective forums . I’ll leave it there
The only raises they know are their salary increases.
Lol