In December 2018, the Department for Transport took the decision to award contracts to provide additional freight capacity on ferry services between the UK and mainland Europe. The additional freight capacity was intended to ensue that imports would not be affected in the event of no deal.
On 5 June, the Committee questioned the Department for Transport on its decision to award these contracts and on the procurement process. This session provided an opportunity to consider the matter in light of the out-of-court settlement with Eurotunnel. In May, the NAO published a memorandum on the topic, at the request of the Public Accounts Committee. This memorandum covered: the Department’s consideration of the risk of legal challenge ahead of the original procurement; the decision to settle with Eurotunnel; and, Eurotunnel’s commitment under the settlement agreement.