Under a Joint Declaration of Intent, Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder and British Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander have set up a task force that will lay the groundwork for a direct cross-border long-distance passenger rail link between the United Kingdom and Germany. Due to various operational, regulatory and commercial requirements, passengers currently still need to change trains for these journeys.

Federal Minister Schnieder:

We are working towards having the first trains running directly from Germany to Great Britain under the English Channel in the years to come. To achieve this goal, we must clarify various issues related to border controls and security screenings together with the infrastructure managers and interested railway undertakings, among others. I am firmly convinced that a direct rail link without the need to change trains will bring people in Great Britain and Germany even closer together.

Secretary of State Alexander:

Today’s landmark agreement has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying. The new taskforce we have established during this visit will aim to bring our nations closer together and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange. The economic potential is enormous - a direct rail link would support the creation of jobs and strengthen the vital trade links that underpin our economic relationship with Germany. British businesses will have better access to European markets, whilst German companies will find it easier to invest and operate in the UK. Working with Germany, we're paving the way for a more sustainable, connected Europe.

With this Joint Declaration of Intent, the two countries highlight their commitment to breaking down existing barriers to market access and competition and to expanding the range of environmentally friendly options for travel between our countries.