Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the length of time the (a) emergency measures agreements and (b) emergency recovery measures agreements on rail franchises will be in place.

Emergency Measures Agreement (EMAs) commenced on 1 April 2020 (with financial provisions applying retrospectively to 1 March 2020). For most rail operators they apply for an initial period of approximately 6 months (7 Rail Reporting Periods), with options for further extension or earlier termination in each case by agreement. These arrangements have allowed us to ensure that essential travel can continue. We are examining the options available to ensure continuity of services beyond this initial period, including the implementation of Emergency Recovery Measures Agreements, but these are not yet finalised.