When the Eurostar gave up stopping at Ashford and Ebbsfleet during the pandemic we all thought it was temporary. Five years on, despite meetings and letters and lobbying, Eurostar's managers are still dragging their feet rather than commit to stopping in Kent again. I've run out of patience.
At a recent Eurostar event in Parliament, I collared their General Secretary who oversees all route development and told him what I thought. For years, these stations linked Kent directly to Paris, Brussels and beyond. This was great for business and holidays and helped take pressure off the roads leading to Dover. I was clear how I feel Eurostar has let Kent down. We have the blight of the train and its tracks cutting through our countryside, but no longer the benefit. People and businesses have moved here because of the service to the continent, and are left questioning their decisions. Should they stay or should they go? It wasn’t a very comfortable conversation for him.
So I’m pleased that last week we saw some progress towards getting a train service between Kent and the continent running again. The Office of Rail and Road has given approval that would allow Virgin Rail to run cross-Channel trains, using the Temple Mills depot in Leyton. With the Channel Tunnel currently operating at around half its capacity, their proposal to launch services by 2030 – and potentially stop in Kent – is a very positive step forward.
To keep up the pressure, I’ll be writing to Sir Richard Branson to underline just how important Kent is to any new cross-channel service, and the huge opportunity it brings for businesses, families and our local economy.
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