Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultation they have undertaken with the government of the Republic of Ireland to assess the impact of any increase of direct shipping routes between the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe.

We have a close and constructive relationship with the Government of Ireland including on transport matters. During the Covid-19 crisis we were pleased to issue a statement with Ireland and France of our joint commitment to support the vital supply routes between our nations and to share information on our supports to freight routes. The introduction of new shipping routes between Ireland and mainland Europe are a matter for the Irish Government and the commercial operators of those routes.