The MP for Isle of Wight East has welcomed ExxonMobil's announcement that it no longer intends to proceed with its pipeline proposal.

Joe Robertson, who has previously opposed the American multinational oil and gas corporation's plans to transport captured CO2 across the Solent, said today that the decision would be a "relief" for "many Island residents".

The Conservative parliamentarian said: "The strong opposition from our Island communities has highlighted the importance of local democracy and protecting our local environment.

"Reducing emissions is important but it should not be at any cost."

ExxonMobil's carbon capture and storage (CCS) plans were to transport captured CO2 from its Fawley Manufacturing Complex, and possibly the wider Solent area, to a deep rock formation in the English Channel.

Two of its proposed pipeline corridors extended across the west of the Isle of Wight.

The former family solicitor and nursing charity worker, who also represents Bembridge on the Isle of Wight Council, voted for Cllr Nick Stuart's motion opposing the pipeline last month along with Isle of Wight West Labour MP Richard Quigley.

The beginning of the proposition read: "Council objects strongly to the intention of Exxon Mobil to seek permission as a national infrastructure project for the building of a CO2 pipeline across the Isle of Wight and will put its immediate concerns and objections directly to the Secretary of State within two months of this motion."

At the Full Council meeting on September 18 at Newport's County Hall, Cllr Stuart gave a special thanks to the Island's two MPs for "helping" and "being involved" in the effort to stop the pipeline.

Striking a similar tone to his Conservative counterpart, Mr Quigley said yesterday: "This is good news for the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, it's also a testament to the communities that pulled together to oppose the pipeline.

"The Island may seem insignificant to ExxonMobil, but we don't roll over easily.

"The proposal was only ever for the benefit of Exxon. The Island will be very pleased it isn't going ahead."

A spokesperson for ExxonMobil yesterday said: "As a result of the continued lack of government policy certainty and timelines, ExxonMobil will not proceed with the appraisal of CO2 storage opportunities in the English Channel and associated transportation at this time."