Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has met with his Swiss counterparts regarding the proposed train link between London St. Pancras and Basel.

The Government fully supports the growth of international rail services and regularly engages with European partners to discuss the potential for new routes. In May 2023 the Secretary of State met his Swiss counterpart and discussed the potential for a future direct rail connection between the UK and Switzerland. My officials have subsequently met with and continue to work with Swiss counterparts to explore this further.

The potential for any new international services is subject to commercial appetite. My officials stand ready to engage with any prospective new operators where there are credible commercial proposals for new services.