Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with (a) county councils, (b) Midlands Connect and (c) regional mayors about reinstating a direct railway service between Nottingham, Leicester and Coventry.

My Department is in regular contact with county councils, Midlands Connect and regional mayors on a range of rail issues, including regional connectivity. The Department will consider the case for specific schemes in future funding rounds, subject to value for money, affordability and alignment with strategic objectives.