Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect a direct train service between Sheffield and Manchester Airport to be reinstated.

I recognise the aspiration of the people of Sheffield to have a direct service with Manchester Airport. The Manchester Task Force — a cross-industry body including Network Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester, Transport for the North and train operators - is continuing its work to address the capacity constraints through Manchester with a view to enabling improved connectivity to the airport for rail passengers and businesses from Sheffield and other towns and cities across the North.