Island MP Andrew Turner has voiced his support for the petition set up by the ferry user group Ferry Passengers for a Fair Deal which calls for an investigation by Competition Authorities into the costs of cross Solent travel and carriage.

Mr Turner, who is currently recovering from a stroke, met last year with Vincent Smith, the Head of Competition from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), who gave advice on the type of evidence that would be needed to bring about a full investigation. The meeting took place following a Parliamentary Question from Mr Turner to the Secretary of State for Transport. Since then many Islanders have sent useful evidence to Mr Turner and the competition4iowferries website is also bringing in a great deal of information that will be invaluable in preparing the case. Mr Turner and campaign organisers plan to meet shortly to discuss how best to proceed with securing an investigation.

Mr Turner said

“I am delighted that this website has gathered so much support over the last few weeks. Working together with the campaign organisers and other Island organisations I am convinced that we can put together an even stronger case for a full investigation. This is too important to too many people to be regarded as a party political issue and I very much welcome the commitment of those mainland colleagues who have already indicated that they are willing to work on a cross-party basis to bring this about. I shall also seek the support of other MPs whose constituents are particularly likely to be affected by the high costs of crossing the Solent.

‘The ‘Hands Off Our Hospital campaign in 2003 gathered over 60,000 petition signatures and was an excellent example of the whole Island pulling together on an issue that affects us all. I very much hope that this campaign will bring about similar success.”

The identity and privacy of everyone who has already provided evidence both to Mr Turner and the competition4iowferries website will be protected.

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