Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to designate London Underground as an essential public service.

The Secretary of State is continuously updated on any adverse impacts experienced by key workers and all other users of the London Underground (and other rail services). My officials continue to consider policy options to enable commuters, and particularly key workers, to get to work and go about their daily lives without undue and unnecessary inconvenience. The Government’s commitment to supporting London’s transport network is ongoing, and we have provided close to £5 billion of support throughout the pandemic. However, transport in London is devolved and is the responsibility of the Mayor of London and Transport for London.