Labour MPs meet with Rail Minister in Bid to Bring Back International Travel

Today (12/02/24) a group of Labour MPs from the South East met with the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, to see what steps the Government would be taking to bring European travel back to Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International. Eurostar ended their services in Ashford and Ebbsfleet during the pandemic and despite calls from MPs to return they are still yet to make any commitments. 

The meeting was reported as very positive, with the prospect of other operators taking an interest in Eurostar’s absence and the Government supporting the MP’s efforts to restore international travel to their nearby stations. 

The main condition facing potential operators is access to the lines, however the Department for Transport has said that it would support measures to overcome this issue. 

Discussions currently are ongoing, and the MPs have a full intention to open a dialogue with potential bidders, such as Virgin who reportedly plotted a £500m bid for continental travel last month and Evolyn who are believed to be another potential competitor to Eurostar. 

Quotes: 

Sojan Joseph MP: 
“I was very happy with the outcome of today’s meeting and grateful for Lord Hendy’s giving us his time. Having the Government’s support for our cause to bring international travel back to Ashford is a huge boost, however I know there is still a lot of work to do – but we won’t shy away from the challenge. It would be a massive benefit to my constituents, local businesses, and our regional economy if we can make this happen.” 

Polly Billington MP: 

“Residents in East Thanet would love to see a return of international services to Ashford, giving them the chance to save time in getting to Europe for both work and holidays. Eurostar don’t seem to see the value or opportunity in restoring these services but it’s clear from our discussions that the labour government understands what a difference it could make for businesses and families, jobs and growth. I will continue to campaign with my fellow Labour MPs across Kent and beyond to see trains to and from Ashford to Paris and beyond.” 

Helena Dollimore MP: 

“So many of my constituents in Hastings and Rye want international travel to return to our area. It would create jobs and give local businesses and tourism a big boost. Making train travel to Europe easier is also key to cutting emissions and driving economic growth. I thank the Rail Minister for his support in driving this forward.” 

Tony Vaughan MP: 

“It was great to meet with Lord Hendy to discuss restoring international rail services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet; it was really encouraging to hear that the Government is making progress on this. I was also able to raise my campaign to shift more freight from trucks to trains, which the Government supports.” 

Lauren Edwards MP: 

“Today’s meeting was encouraging, with the Rail Minister fully appreciating the economic boost our region would get from restoring international rail services to Kent. I’m pleased civil servants are already working hard on how we make this happen, and I look forward to future meetings with other interested rail operators. There is a big appetite from residents and businesses in Rochester and Strood to get this service restored as soon as possible.”