This is a statement from Bob Seely MP in response to Wight Shipyard's merger announcement.
Bob Seely MP said: “I welcome the news that Wight Shipyard has pledged to grow the size of the business on the Island. We all want Island shipbuilding to go from strength to strength.
“When the Isle of Wight Council and I negotiated to take the Columbine building into Council ownership a couple of years ago, to secure shipbuilding on the Island, this is exactly the future that we aimed for.
“I hope this decision will not only safeguard existing jobs in East Cowes, but also create new ones.
“As I understand it, this merger will enable the shipyard to pitch not only for the construction of catamaran ferries, but for larger contracts as well. I wish them well with their expansion plans.
"This is all part of a better future for the Island."
