Eurostar services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet International stations once connected Kent to the continent, and many of us want them back.
The service opened up opportunities for business and holidays, and brought international tourism to Kent, boosted our local economy, took pressure off the Dover crossing and provided a more environmentally friendly way to travel. For many, the ability to hop on a train in Kent and be in Paris or Brussels within hours was a dream. Weekend trips to Lille or business meetings in Europe became accessible and convenient.
But since 2020, Eurostar has gone through Ebbsfleet and Ashford International without stopping. When this was a temporary blip because of the pandemic, it was understandable. But five years later I know people’s patience is wearing thin - especially businesses and residents who chose to move here because of the Eurostar.
I’ve been urging Eurostar and Rail Ministers to reinstate services for some years now. It seems we may finally be about to get some movement.
New potential operators (Virgin, Heuro, and Evolyn) have expressed an interest in running cross-channel trains. And the office of Rail and Road (ORR) completed a report which found that some capacity could be made available at the Temple Mill maintenance depot in north-east London – the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains.
So I wrote a letter to the Rail Minister to ask for an update and they replied to me confirming that government officials are engaging with potential new operators and the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership, which I welcome. But the jury is still out, the Minister’s response doesn’t convey much sense of urgency or commitment and so I will be submitting parliamentary questions that ask for the department’s next steps and a timeline. You can scroll down to read my and the Minister’s letters.
Reinstating cross-channel travel from these stations would be a huge win for Kent for many reasons, including boosting our local economy at a time when businesses are struggling and helping to ease the heavy traffic heading down to Dover. As always, I will keep you updated on any progress.
In the meantime, I’ve launched a survey where you can let me know your views on getting these services back. Please scroll down to fill it out.
