Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on British Transport Police working on the rail network of temporarily lifting covid-19 restrictions over the Christmas 2020 period.

British Transport Police (BTP) had plans in place for the policing of the rail network over the Christmas period, including the period during which Covid-19 restrictions were temporarily lifted. BTP continues to work with the rail industry to ensure these plans reflect expected demand.

On 4 January 2021, the Government instructed all people living in England to stay at home. BTP are supporting rail operators to facilitate journeys for key workers across the rail network and officers continue to patrol stations to support staff and protect the public.