Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending Eurostar services to Bedford in the context of the Universal UK theme park.

The Government fully supports the growth and expansion of international rail services given the benefits they provide, including more sustainable connections to Europe. Whilst it is a commercial decision for operators, the Government stands ready to engage with industry where there is a commercial proposition, particularly given the unique requirements of operating through the Channel Tunnel, including establishing juxtaposed border and security controls.

There would be significant technical changes to extend the international gauge to serve Bedford station and would require the establishment of significant border controls requiring a change to the Treaty arrangements with France. These changes are not currently being considered.