Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they intend to take to ensure the continuing operation of Eurostar and rail freight through the Channel Tunnel after the UK leaves the EU; and to ensure that the necessary licences, approvals and permissions are available for the rolling stock, the services and crews to be able to operate both in the UK and on the continent.

The cross-border rail services through the Channel Tunnel, including Eurostar, Le Shuttle and international rail freight services, have greatly benefited citizens and businesses in both the UK and the EU by transporting an estimated 20.8 million passengers and 22.5 million tonnes of goods in 2016. It is in our mutual interests to ensure these services continue without disruption.

EU legislation currently provides the regulatory framework for cross-border rail services, including market access rights as well as safety and interoperability requirements. The Government has proposed a strictly time-limited implementation period, based on the existing structure of EU rules and regulations, during which the UK and the EU would continue to have access to one another’s markets on current terms once the UK has left the EU.

Arrangements beyond this period will be a matter for negotiations.