Question to the Department for Transport:

Her Majesty's Government whether they have had any approaches, either formal or informal, from the operator of the East Coast Mainline franchise about possible revision or renegotiation of the terms of the franchise; and, if so, (1) what has been the basis put forward by the operator for raising the issue of revision or  renegotiation and, (2) what was their response.

We monitor all franchises and are in regular discussions with franchise operators over performance of their contractual obligations. This includes discussions with Virgin Trains East Coast about the performance of the East Coast franchise. We are unable to comment on the details of any such discussions due to their commercial nature.