Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in business rates on planned private sector investment in Channel Tunnel rail services.

Business rates and the ongoing 2026 valuation process is a matter for the operationally independent Valuation Office Agency. The Government is committed to supporting a thriving and competitive international rail market, signing landmark deals with partner countries to establish new direct routes and working with industry partners to address the barriers to growth, paving the way for new entrants to the market and unlocking private investment.