Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Azuma rolling stock can run at full line speed on the East Coast Main Line; and if he will make a statement.

The Department for Transport is working with the rail industry to deliver the full benefits of the Azuma fleet; including increased capacity, improved reliability and more frequent services. We are investing in an Enhancements Programme to upgrade the route and Network Rail is planning to introduce an upgraded timetable that allows London North Eastern Railway to run more services by the end of 2021. Azumas are able to operate at full line speed across the East Coast Main Line, however temporary restrictions may limit performance in limited geographic areas while the enhancement programme is underway.