Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to grow the international rail sector.

The Government fully supports the growth of international rail passenger services given the environmental, social and economic benefits they provide.

My officials continue to engage on a regular basis with infrastructure managers and European partners to discuss the potential for new routes and potential market entrants, particularly given the unique requirements of operating through the Channel Tunnel. My officials welcome engagement with prospective operators where there is a credible proposition to develop new services.