Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he had with the rail freight industry on the level of power required efficiently to haul freight before he announced the withdrawal of diesel traction in 2040; and if he will make a statement.

There is regular engagement between my Department and the rail freight industry on a wide range of subjects, including on air quality and decarbonisation issues. I have written to the rail industry asking it to report back outlining how my challenge can be achieved in order to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions, and I understand that industry has established a task force to deal with this matter which includes senior representation from the rail freight sector.