Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government why they have not extended the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) lifeline ferry exemptions to English islands, including the Isle of Scilly and the Isle of Wight; and what assessment they have made of the risk that increased ferry costs under the UK ETS will impact healthcare accessibility and affordability for island residents.

The Government is exempting ferries serving Scotland’s islands and peninsulas given the unique and pressing challenges they face in accessing essential goods healthcare, education and employment, in addition to the legal duties to consider island populations under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.

The Government will be evaluating any impacts of the scheme on consumers and businesses, including on the Isle of Wight, as well as the existing exemptions, in a review of the maritime regime in 2028.

Ferries serving the Isles of Scilly are out of scope of the UK ETS, as they are below the 5000 gross tonnage threshold.