Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about Eurostar.

I appreciate that the international rail sector, with other international travel sectors, has faced significant challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, as passenger demand has declined substantially. 

I therefore welcome that ministers and officials, together with other Government Departments, have been in regular contact with Eurostar since March 2020 in relation to their financial situation. The Department of Transport continues to work closely with Eurostar to consider all commercial financing options available to the company, which include drawing on existing support schemes where eligible and appropriate.

I understand that the Department will continue to discuss Eurostar’s financial situation with the French Government, and I trust that ministers will also continue to closely monitor the financial impact of Covid-19 on Eurostar and the international transport sector more broadly. 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. 

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP