GovWire

Transport Secretary Mark Harper met his French counterpart Clment Beaune in Paris today (9 February 2023) to discuss the implementation of the EUs 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 governments commitment to working alongside the French government to ensure any new system works for both countries and passengers.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Our two nations continue to build on the deep and longstanding Anglo-French relationship, and its been a pleasure to meet my colleague, Clment 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 Eurostars CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, to see first-hand Eurostars 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 UKs spaceflight ambitions and the wider benefits of UK ESA investment.

This follows the establishment of the UKs 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 authoritys 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 theChannel Tunnel and Shuttle servicesbetween England and France, to signal the UKs willingness to support preparations ahead of the implementation of EES.