Restoring Eurostar services 'would unlock £2.7bn'

A number of operators have declared interest in running cross-channel services which would include a stop in Kent

Restoring Eurostar services to Kent could unlock billions of pounds for the local economy and bring in thousands of visitors, a report has claimed.

The research by the Good Growth Foundation comes amid a campaign to restore Eurostar services at Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International stations, which were stopped in 2020.

The Foundation said Eurostar services could inject £2.7bn to the local economy over five years and increase tourism by almost 500,000 visitors a year.

A Eurostar spokesperson said that the Kent stations will remain closed until 2026, when a review will take place, as it prioritises capacity at core locations.

A petition to bring services back at Ashford International has now reached over 65,000 signatures.

People who wish to travel via train to mainland Europe from the south east need to travel into London and board a service from St Pancras International, adding a significant amount of time to journeys.

The Good Growth Foundation is a group that conducts research to support economic growth via politics.

Eurostar services have not stopped at Ashford International since 2020

Ashford MP Sojan Joseph and the MP for Hastings and Rye, Helena Dollimore, have joined the campaign calling for services to be reinstated.

Joseph said: "Ashford International was built to be a gateway to Europe and a hub for the whole south coast.

"Reopening the station would revitalise towns across Kent and beyond, and show that we are central to Britain's future."

Dollimore said: "Restoring international services at Ashford is key to unlocking the economic growth that we need along the south coast."

A Eurostar spokesperson said: "We recognise the importance of these stations to local communities and continue to engage with stakeholders.

"The upcoming EU Entry/Exit System (EES) adds processing requirements, requiring us to concentrate border police resources at St Pancras International.

"Reopening these stations would require significant investment, including in border infrastructure, where we have already invested €10m (£8.6m) for EES.

"While these stations are not part of Eurostar's current model, future operators may reassess their role."