Isle of Wight favours poll on self-rule

A majority of residents of the Isle of Wight favour holding a referendum on self-government, according to a MORI poll for the island's county council.

Seventy-three per cent said they would be in favour of the referendum - but most also said they would vote against independence. Politicians on the island are concerned that the Government is doing nothing to combat high unemployment. They would like to make the island a free port and tax haven to boost investment. Steve Boggan