Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak, what the scientific basis is for the decision to discourage people from consuming food and drink on public transport.

Our guidance is designed to reduce the risk of transmission as far as possible. The science is clear that where people avoid touching their face, they make it less likely they will contract the virus. This is the reason for our advice. We do understand that there are situations where passengers may need to eat or drink – for example if they are feeling faint on a hot day, and this is reflected in our advice.