Isle of Wight West
Parliamentary Candidate
Ian Pickering

Ian Pickering is a retired teacher with a specialization in supporting children with special educational needs. A proud resident of Freshwater, Ian is the prospective parliamentary candidate for Reform UK in Isle of Wight West. His commitment to education reform and local community issues drives his candidacy.

Education Reform and Future Careers

Ian Pickering believes that successive governments have overly prioritized higher education at the expense of practical skills development. He advocates for a balanced approach that prepares young people to become skilled professionals, thereby addressing critical needs such as the housing shortage and the growth of manufacturing sectors. By focusing on vocational training, Ian aims to equip future generations with the skills needed to thrive in evolving job markets.

Protecting Marine Resources

A passionate advocate for sustainable fishing practices, Ian Pickering supports a ban on foreign fishing vessels in British waters. He calls for rigorous scientific evaluations of fish stocks to manage annual commercial harvests responsibly. As an avid beach and small boat angler and a volunteer with the National Coastwatch Institution at Needles, Ian is dedicated to preserving marine environments for future generations.

Energy Policy and Environmental Responsibility

Ian Pickering argues against the financial burden of pursuing net zero targets given the UK's minimal contribution to global CO₂ emissions. He believes that the country should focus on developing viable solutions for energy needs rather than enforcing policies that may not have a significant impact. Ian also emphasizes the need for a pragmatic approach to immigration, advocating for efficient assessment processes and a points-based system to manage the influx of economic migrants effectively.

Immigration and Social Integration

With concerns about uncontrolled migration and its impact on public services, Ian Pickering proposes a swift and legal halt to small boat crossings from France. He advocates for a streamlined assessment process for migrants already in the UK and supports a points-based immigration system to prioritize skilled individuals who can contribute positively to the country.

Long-Term Government Planning

Ian Pickering envisions a government focused on long-term solutions rather than short-term electoral gains. He supports fully separating from the EU and exiting the ECHR to enable comprehensive reforms that benefit the UK. Ian believes that the Reform Party is uniquely positioned to deliver on these promises and drive meaningful change for the nation.