Transport Secretary met his French counterpart
Clément Beaune in Paris today to discuss the implementation of
the EU’s new Entry/Exit
System (EES) by the end of
the year and both nations’ efforts to decarbonise their transport
networks.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining reliable, quick, and
safe travel routes between France and the UK, the Secretary of State reaffirmed
the UK government’s
commitment to working alongside the French government to ensure
any new system works for both countries and passengers.
Transport Secretary said:
Our two nations continue to build on the deep and longstanding
Anglo-French relationship, and it’s been a pleasure to meet my
colleague, Clément Beaune, to discuss our shared priorities.
This visit highlighted the importance of reliable transport links
between our countries, our ongoing efforts to lead the world in
decarbonising transport networks, and our commitment to securing
the growth of international rail services.
Whilst in Paris the Transport Secretary also held an introductory
meeting with Eurostar’s CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, to see
first-hand Eurostar’s unique operation at Gare du Nord. The
meeting shone a light on the important connections international
rail services provide for millions of people each year, as well
as the need to address border-related challenges, prevent lengthy
queues from forming, and support the future growth and success of
the sector.
Elsewhere, the Secretary of State met representatives from the
European Space Agency (ESA), to discuss
how ESA supports
the UK’s spaceflight
ambitions and the wider benefits of UK ESA investment.
This follows the establishment of the UK’s first operational spaceport in
Cornwall, with the government also providing £31.5 million in
grants to help establish vertical launch services from two
spaceports in Scotland.
Also on the agenda was a meeting with Hiba Fares of the Paris
Transport Authority Regie Autonome des Transport Parisiens
(RATP),
where the Transport Secretary heard about the authority’s
roll-out of zero-emission buses and the recovery of bus services
following the pandemic.
Upon arriving in Paris on Wednesday night, the Transport
Secretary met with Getlink Group, which manages and operates the
infrastructure of the Channel Tunnel and Shuttle
services between England and France, to signal
the UK’s willingness to
support preparations ahead of the implementation
of EES.
