Isle of Wight to Host Second Islands Forum with Michael Gove
The Isle of Wight has been picked to host the second Islands Forum on 24-25 May. The event will be chaired by Secretary of State Michael Gove and aims to boost island communities across the UK.
Levelling Up Island Communities
The Islands Forum is designed to tackle shared challenges like connectivity, infrastructure, and demographic shifts. It also focuses on future opportunities such as the transition to net zero. The government will listen directly to island leaders to shape better policies.
Leaders and chiefs from eligible island councils across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have been invited. Ministers from devolved governments will also take part, continuing the collaboration started at the inaugural Forum in Orkney last September.
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, said: “Island communities contribute richly to the UK and face unique challenges and opportunities. The Islands Forum gives islanders a platform to feed back directly to government, helping islands become better places to live and work. I’m thrilled that the first forum in Orkney was a success and I’m looking forward to the next one on the Isle of Wight.”
Isle of Wight Council leader Lora Peacey-Wilcox added: “The Islands Forum is a superb chance to highlight the challenges our islands face and work closely with ministers and officials to find real solutions.”
Big Bucks Boost for Island Projects
Island communities are set to benefit from millions in levelling up funds:
- Nearly £27 million for a new roll-on, roll-off ferry to serve Fair Isle in the Shetlands—vital for residents, visitors, and supply lines.
- £5.8 million for the East Cowes Marine Hub on the Isle of Wight, part of the Solent Freeport, to create jobs and boost marine engineering.
- £2.7 million through the UK Community Renewal Fund for Anglesey supporting youth enterprise and top-quality health and social care education. Anglesey is also aiming to attract £1.4 billion in green energy investments via a new freeport.
- £173,400 for Argyll and Bute Council’s West Coast UAV Innovation Hub to explore drone delivery of medical supplies.
- More than £166,000 awarded to Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar for development projects at Port of Ness Harbour and Horshader community assets.
Who’s Invited?
The government has sent invitations to island representatives from across the UK, including:
- Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly in England
- Skye, Orkney, Shetland, Arran, Bute, Mull, and other Scottish islands
- Anglesey in Wales
- Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland
The Forum promises to keep island voices loud and clear in Whitehall, aiming for fairer funding, smarter infrastructure, and thriving communities.
