Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, if any, with Eurotunnel and Eurostar about using surplus capacity and rolling stock for the conveyance of freight by rail.
The Government engages regularly with the international rail sector to discuss a range of issues, including freight traffic flows and proposals to operate additional intermodal rail freight services through the Channel Tunnel, similar to those already operating.
It is ultimately a commercial decision for rail freight operators as to whether to facilitate new services, but the Government is open to engaging with industry-led proposals and potential new operators where there is a commercial proposition.
There is currently sufficient capacity through the Channel Tunnel to run additional, conventional rail freight services similar to those already operating. Running additional services would be dependent on commercial demand for such services, which has always been a key challenge to the sector.