Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the UK's (a) rail industry and (b) rail network of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

There is not a specific chapter covering rail in the negotiations between the UK and the EU. This is because we want to ensure the UK gains the flexibility to set rules that meets the needs of the UK domestic rail network. Department for Transport officials continue to work closely with government departments on areas that are important and impact on the rail industry and the rail network.

Department for Transport officials engage very regularly with the rail industry to ensure they are preparing effectively and appropriately for 1 January 2021. In addition to this, we have published formal guidance on running domestic and cross-border rail operations from 1 January.