Department for Transport written question – answered at on 14 May 2024.
Stephen Morgan
Shadow Minister (Transport)
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to grow the international rail sector.
Huw Merriman
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
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.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.