Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide companies operating international rail services that are affected by travel restrictions with comparable financial support to that provided to businesses operating international air services.

The Government recognises the significant financial challenges facing companies operating international transport services, including aviation and international rail, as a result of Covid-19.

The Government has therefore announced a broad range of significant measures to assist UK businesses across all sectors in distress, including the Job Retention Scheme. The Department has engaged with operators across transport sectors, including international rail, to support access to these schemes where appropriate.

The Government has also now announced measures to exempt countries from self-isolation requirements, which will open up opportunities for international travel, help the travel sector’s recovery and protect jobs.

The Government will continue to engage closely with transport operators, including those in the international rail sector, as we move towards the next phase of our Covid-19 response, and in particular as we look to safely restart our travel sectors.