MP Bob Seely said: “The UK's Island Forum will be confirmed tomorrow as part of the levelling-up agenda. This is another important win for the Island, and for islands throughout the UK.
"As the Government has acknowledged, island communities face common challenges in areas such as connectivity and infrastructure, as well as access to education and training.
"One of the first things I did when elected in 2017 was to establish an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for UK Islands. Over the years, we have secured a number of debates looking at issues relating to islands, and I am grateful for the continued input of Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Labour and SNP colleagues on this front.
"We have collectively tried to influence Government to listen to the experience of islanders throughout the UK as well as Islanders on the Isle of Wight.
"With the establishment of an Islands Forum, I see the opportunity to complement – and work in parallel with – the work of the APPG.
"The Forum will, as I understand, bring together representatives of those various island communities, and I very much hope that the Isle of Wight Council will play its part. We will then explore how we can all solve common problems for the benefit of islanders throughout the UK.
"Whilst the Government’s levelling-up agenda is focused on increasing prosperity for the country as a whole, the nature of the challenges faced by island communities are often different to those experienced in more urban parts of the UK. I am delighted that the Government will recognise this and is prepared to look at island issues as a distinct part of its wider policy objectives.
"More details will be released tomorrow."
