Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the closure of London Kings Cross station from 25 to 30 December on alternative rail services and stations used by passengers who choose to travel over the Christmas period when the covid-19 lockdown restrictions are temporarily lifted.

As people begin to plan journeys, we are closely assessing demand on the network and have already acted to minimise potential disruption.

We know this will be a busy period, and so have asked Sir Peter Hendy to rigorously scrutinise the winter preparedness plans of all transport operators to ensure journeys are smooth and safe.

We will also consider measures including running longer trains and relaxing rules to allow more types of coaches to run, and will produce a detailed plan focused on tackling disruption shortly, once demand is clearer.

Before traveling, passengers should plan their journey very carefully, be prepared that it may take longer, and where possible book in advance. People should always follow the clear guidance to keep passengers and staff safe.