DAVID Cameron has agreed to meet a delegation from the Isles of Scilly "if necessary" in the aftermath of the archipelago losing its "lifeline" helicopter service.
The plight of islanders was laid out during Prime Minister's Questions last week.
West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly MP Andrew George, raised the service's October shutdown with Mr Cameron.
"The closure of the originally state-sponsored lifeline helicopter service to the Isles of Scilly two months ago has presented very significant challenges to islanders, to medical services and to the economy, but local people and other stakeholders are working together to find solutions," he said.
"Would the Prime Minister be prepared to meet a small delegation of islanders and myself in order to explore what encouragement and assistance the Government can provide the islands in this, their hour of urgent need?"
Mr Cameron responded that proper transport links were vital but firms considering a takeover would be more sustainable than government aid.
"If it is necessary to have a meeting then of course I will," he said.
Speaking afterwards, Mr George said: "So, the Prime Minister says he will meet 'if it's necessary'. It is. Land's End airport has been closed for 16 days since November 1."
He added that the medical community on the islands believe services are not up to scratch.
"More needs to be done and the Government don't need to worry that they would have to stump up all the cash," said Mr George. "There are many other ways in which they could assist and support.
"I felt it was important to highlight this issue at a national level in this way in order to draw attention to both the challenges but also the opportunities to get durable and sustainable airline services in place for the Isles of Scilly for the years ahead."
Reflecting on the discussion between the pair, Friends of Isles of Scilly Transport (FRIST) member, Dick Cliffe said it was important that the Prime Minister had recognised the link between the island and mainland.
"He was careful not to scoff at the concerns of the islanders," he said.
"I am not saying a meeting with the Prime Minister is not important if the situation is unresolved.
"It's a significant issue and, if there isn't a solution, he accepts he may have to accept an invitation from the islanders."