Isle of Wight East MP joins tourism parliamentary group

Joe Robertson, MP for Isle of Wight East, has become a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism.

The MP has joined the committee to "press the government to do more to support the UK's tourism sector".

At the group's first meeting, Mr Robertson raised the issue of high taxation in the tourism sector, saying that it is affecting jobs and growth. 

Joe Robertson MP attending the parliamentary group's meeting. (Image: The office of Joe Robertson MP)

The group also agreed to look at issues surrounding Airbnbs and the burden of regulation on small businesses.

Mr Robertson has visited local businesses in his constituency, including introducing Shadow Home Secretary and leadership contender James Cleverly to businesses in Ryde and Brading.

Mr Robertson said: “I put business and jobs at the heart of my election campaign, and I am now working with Labour, Liberal and Conservative MPs to make sure the interests of hospitality and tourism – the biggest sector in the East Wight economy - are heard by Government.

"Part of this is getting the Government to understand the huge challenges presented by ferry crossings.

"I met the MP for the Isle of Arran in Scotland where ferries are proving a problem for tourism to see how we might work together.”