UK Covid live news: minister rejects MPs’ claim that test and trace not worth £22bn already spent on it

The research is being carried out as part of Boris Johnson’s bid to improve UK transport links.

Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy, who is carrying out a review of union connectivity, said further work is required on the possibility of a “fixed link” across the Irish Sea.

Following publication of his interim report (pdf), the government announced that air passenger duty – a tax on passenger flights from UK airports – could be cut for domestic journeys.

Some £20m has also been committed to develop plans for upgraded rail, road, sea and air links – and explore new requirements to offset emissions and decarbonise aviation.

Hendy has commissioned two engineering professors to lead a study into the feasibility of a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and Scotland, outlining its cost, timescale and the work involved.

They are ex-HS2 and Crossrail chairman Douglas Oakervee and former vice-president of Jacobs Engineering Gordon Masterton.