Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what priority they give to at least one of the shortlisted bidders for the West Coast rail franchise being a British company; and what steps, if any, they have taken to achieve this.

The key aspect of competition is that it is fair and open to all companies. This approach has been followed throughout the West Coast Partnership competition and all bidders have been, and continue to be, treated equally. This allows for the greatest level of competition, which will contribute to us securing both the best value for money for the taxpayer and benefits for the passenger from the franchise.