Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a direct train link between Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station and Manchester Airport.

No assessment has been made. However, the Manchester Taskforce has identified a number of infrastructure constraints impacting on the operational deliverability of additional direct services to Manchester Airport, including services that previously operated.

Whilst longer term plans are being developed, work continues on improving the passenger experience for those having to change trains.