Date: 30th December 2002
Released by: ANDREW TURNER

Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner says 2003 is the year to raise the Island’s game, so as to secure better economic and environmental conditions for the future.

In a New Year’s message to constituents, he looks back over twelve months in which the Island’s profile has been raised with Government, but says that much more remains to be done if current residents and future generations are to share the fruits of prosperity.

Mr Turner says, “In wishing everyone who lives or works on the Island a very Happy and Prosperous New Year, I recognize a real achievement in 2002 –lifting the Island’s profile at Westminster and in Whitehall. No less than five ministers have seen, for themselves, how we are working to attract high quality jobs, more visitors, and better facilities for post-16 education. We haven’t persuaded the Government of everything we would wish, but we have shown that Islanders can work together, regardless of politics, when the stakes are high.

“In 2003 we need to build on those achievements. Most important, we have to prioritize. Less Government money is coming to the Island than we would like, and I am pressing on Ministers our case for better funding. But even with that, we could not do everything we want to do. We must therefore focus on getting the best for what we spend – and spending for tomorrow as well as today. We must continue to protect our countryside and coastline, for they attract our visitors, and to enhance our towns, to add quality where people live, shop and work. We must educate and train our youngsters for tomorrow’s demanding jobs. And we must cherish existing business and attract new, for they are the engines of tomorrow’s prosperity.

“One of my most memorable experiences of 2002 was attending the election of the Island’s Youth MP, by young people from across the Island. I told them then that we had to raise our aspirations, for them to enjoy the benefits in the future. Raising our game today to improve life for the future must be our aspiration for 2003.”

Note:

DTI Ministers Lord Sainsbury, Brian Wilson MP and Alan Johnson MP; Higher Education Minister Margaret Hodge MP; and Tourism Minister Dr Kim Howells MP.