Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the letter of 28 June 2018 from the Minister of State for Transport to hon. Members on the declassification of first class trains on Thameslink and Great Northern Services, whether that policy applies to (a) Southern and (b) Gatwick Express services; and if he will make a statement.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has declassified first class areas on peak time trains on the Thameslink and Great Northern routes of operation. As is usual industry practice, GTR will continue to declassify first class areas on Southern and Gatwick Express services in times of disruption which it did on Thursday 5 July. Also, on board staff are empowered to take such decisions on a service by service basis.