Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of building the Western Rail Link to Heathrow.

This Government remains committed to improving rail access to Heathrow Airport and recognises the importance of the improved rail connectivity that a Western rail link could provide. However, we need to ensure that the projects we take forward reflect the changed shape of rail demand and are affordable. I understand that the promoters of a Western rail link continue to update their proposals.