Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with rail operators on potential train cancellations between 23 and 27 December 2020.

The Department worked closely with train operators to put in place robust contingency plans in anticipation of an increased number of passengers travelling during the Christmas period, including alternative travel arrangements, passenger communications, regular demand monitoring and plans to protect key services in the event of staff absence.

The public were kept informed of travel news through coordinated information from train operating companies, Network Rail and independent train ticket retailers. Overall demand over the Christmas period was reduced substantially from anticipated levels following the announcements over changes to tiering and Christmas bubble arrangements.