Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of private finance support for delivering the remainder of the Lower Thames Crossing; and whether she has had discussions with private investors on that subject.

A robust assessment of private investment options has been undertaken, with the shortlist outlined in the updated Funding Statement in February 2025. The Government’s preferred financing option at this stage is the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model as it offers an integrated approach that focuses delivery, reduces the financial burden on taxpayers, harnesses the benefits of private investment, and ensures strong regulatory oversight to promote the interests of users. The Department, National Highways and its advisors regularly hold informal discussions with private investment markets on a variety of themes and sectors.