THE Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats have put forward plans for an English Isles Policy. 



Describing the efforts of Island MP Andrew Turner in this area as "largely ineffectual", Isle of Wight Lib Dems plan for this to become part of national policy. 

Chairman Nicholas Belfitt said: "We see a lot of talk, handshakes, single lines from the government saying they are recognising us as an Island but yet nothing seems to change. 

"This policy has come from the desire for us to get some real legislation that will finally force the government to recognise our unique needs. 

"We are confident the policy will be successful and that nationally the Lib Dems would support legislation that will empower English Islands." 

The policy asks for the Treasury to provide urgent financial support for health care, education and social services, an urgent investigation into making mainland transport links more affordable including a comprehensive fixed link feasibility study, and the wider use of short-term interventions similar to the Fuel Tax Rebate.