Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the role of the Eurostar service in reducing the climate impact of travel between the UK and mainland Europe.

The Government recognises that high-speed international rail services provide major benefits for UK and European citizens and businesses, including associated environmental benefits.

The overwhelming majority of passengers travelling between London and Paris or Brussels now choose to do so by rail, as opposed to by air, given the significant journey time and environmental benefits rail offers. Industry figures indicate emissions by international rail are significantly lower than the equivalent short-haul flight.

The Government fully supports the continued growth and expansion of our international rail links, such as the launch of a direct return service between London and Amsterdam last year, with the associated environmental benefits this will provide.