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<p>As outlined in the Future Relationship White Paper in July and the Political Declaration
on the Framework for the Future Relationship between the EU and the UK Government,
published on 22 November, the EU and the UK have agreed that the UK will pursue bilateral
agreements. These will be undertaken with France, Belgium and the Netherlands to ensure
the continued smooth functioning and operation of services through the Channel Tunnel,
and with Ireland to do the same for the Belfast‑Dublin Enterprise line.</p><p>Outside
of these cross-border services, the UK will have the flexibility to shape its own
domestic railway legislation to meet the needs of its passengers and freight shippers,
and reflect the unique characteristics of the rail network within the UK.</p><p>Continued
market access for transport between the UK and the EU, including for bus and coach
travel, is in our mutual interests. We will seek to agree cross-border bus services
as part of the future relationship with the EU. In the event of no deal, as set out
in the Department for Transport Technical Notice ‘Operating bus or coach services
abroad if there’s no Brexit deal’, the UK would seek to put in place bilateral agreement
with EU countries.</p><p>Consultations with industry have been ongoing, and we will
continue to take on board the views of stakeholders.</p><p> </p>
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