Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which rail franchises are required to provide train services on Boxing Day, and what those requirements are for each franchise.

Two rail franchises are currently required to provide limited Boxing Day services. Greater Anglia is required to operate certain services between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport. Govia Thameslink Railway is required to operate certain services between London Victoria, Gatwick Airport and Brighton, between London Victoria and Sutton, and between London Victoria and East Croydon. During any periods of engineering work, replacement bus services would be provided.

All franchises have discretion to operate Boxing Day services on a commercial basis, subject to agreement with Network Rail.