Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of increases in fuel costs, including those linked to developments in Iran, alongside the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to maritime, on the financial sustainability of lifeline ferry services.

The Department for Transport recognises growing concerns around rising fuel and transport costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East. We are committed to maintaining the continuity of domestic and island ferry services and are actively monitoring any potential impacts.

The Department will continue to work with industry to understand any pressures from increases to fuel costs and the options to mitigate any risks. We will also monitor the effect of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme when it is introduced in July.