Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason the requirement for Eurostar passengers entering the UK to wear face masks does not apply to passengers on other railway services operating in the UK during the covid-19 pandemic.

Eurostar runs international services to several destinations in Europe, including Brussels and Paris and, as such, must comply with the requirements of the countries it operates in. In line with guidelines announced by the French and Belgian governments, Eurostar has amended its Conditions of Carriage to require all passengers to bring and wear a face covering for all Eurostar services across its full route to provide clarity for its passengers.

However, the Government has also been clear that it is advising passengers in England, where they can, to wear a face covering if they need to use public transport.