Kent's international rail return 'one step closer'

Eurostar used to serve both Ebbsfleet and Ashford International

International rail services returning to Kent could be a step closer amid news Virgin Trains will be able to launch services through the Channel Tunnel in the future, local politicians say.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved Virgin's application to share Temple Mills railway storehouse in east London with Eurostar - which ran international services via Ebbsfleet and Ashford before they were stopped in 2020.

Kent County Council (KCC) leader Linden Kemkaran said: "The people of Kent deserve to be connected, and today, we're one step closer."

Virgin said: "If either Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International station are reopened in Kent, then Virgin will stop there."

The company, which planned to start running services through the tunnel by 2030, said it was working with KCC and other local stakeholders to explore how to make this happen.

The news came after more than 82,000 people backed a campaign to bring international rail services back to the county, according to KCC.

Diccon Spain, deputy leader of the Labour group on Ashford Borough Council, runs the Bring Back Euro Trains campaign.

He said a return to Ashford was "absolutely" going to happen.

The councillor explained that it would cost about £4m to reopen the international station.

"The prize is massive. If we can get services back, we're looking at predictions of £2.7bn coming in just from tourism alone over the next five years," he added.

In September, Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran visited Ashford International

Kemkaran says the ORR's decision "paves the way for competition – competition that has made clear its ambition to serve Kent again."

She added: "It's a clear signal that Kent matters and that our international stations have a vital role to play in the future of cross-Channel rail.

"There is a clear economic case for stopping in Kent – we have so much to offer visitors, and the benefits for local businesses and communities are huge."

Kemkaran said the county's voice had "finally been heard".

A KCC spokesperson said seeing international rail services return to Ashford and Ebbsfleet was now "a major step closer".

Noel Ovenden, leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: "This move could not only enable potential new operators who have already expressed an interest in introducing international rail services, but it also creates the right conditions for the return of direct international trains to Kent, including Ashford and Ebbsfleet.

"Increased competition will mean more choice for passengers, lower fares, and new destinations - bringing significant economic and connectivity benefits to Kent and the wider region."

'Not the end'

Ovenden added: "Ashford International stands ready. Ready for trade, ready for jobs, ready for tourism, ready to return to the international train map."

Sojan Joseph, the MP for Ashford, said he was "delighted" that "the correct decision" had been reached.

"This will hopefully encourage an operator to return services to Ashford," he added.

"Competition in the market for European travel is good for consumers, regional growth, and businesses in Kent and the wider South East.

"However, this is not the end of the campaign to bring international rail back to Ashford."

Helena Dollimore, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Hastings, says the decision "marks a major step towards reopening the abandoned Ashford International terminal".

"This is about far more than just trains. It's about new jobs, greater opportunities, stronger tourism, and reconnecting our communities with our European neighbours," she said.

"It is an absolute no-brainer to get Ashford back into use.

"It would boost our local Sussex and Kent economy by over £2.5bn, and I urge Virgin Trains and Richard Branson to seize this opportunity and reopen it."

Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said he was exploring plans to establish new depot capacity in the UK, supported by private investment.

"We will also continue to champion the reopening [of] Ashford and Ebbsfleet International stations as a priority to restore full connectivity, support tourism and boost growth across the region," he added.

Eurostar said it was reviewing the decision and "considering our next steps to ensure we can continue to grow".

Back in 2019, Eurostar told the BBC only 4% of passengers travelled from Ashford, or Ebbsfleet.

Over the 10 years to 2019, passenger growth at St Pancras International increased by 20%, while Ashford and Ebbsfleet saw 0% growth.

Historically, neither station exceeded 2% of UK traffic on the Eurostar network.