Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussion he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the role of the rail industry in job creation in advance of the Summer economic update statement.

The Secretary of State for Transport has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding the vital role of the transport sector including the rail industry in re-igniting the economy.

The Treasury is fully engaged in the development of all our transport schemes, including our commitment to invest around £48 billion in maintaining and upgrading the rail network in the period from 2019 to 2024. Not only will this increase reliability and punctuality for passengers, it will help improve connectivity and strengthen local economies.

The Secretary of State for Transport will continue to work closely with the Chancellor, including on Project Speed, to make sure we are building and delivering transport that will help drive the UK's recovery from Covid-19.