Kent is One Step Closer to International Rail Services

Posted on 30 October 2025

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has today (30 October 2025) made a much-anticipated announcement that opens the door to future international train services, with Temple Mills access approval for Virgin Trains, which has previously committed to stopping at Ashford and Ebbsfleet.

The announcement comes after several years of ongoing efforts and public engagement, culminating at last month’s International rail event organised by Kent County Council, where representatives from rail operators, local councils, MPs, businesses, and residents met to discuss the issue collectively.

The ORR’s decision now has the potential to:

  • Unlock a huge and much-needed boost for local businesses and tourism
  • Enable the government to deliver on the promise made when High Speed 1 was built
  • Provide a direct route to Europe for Kent’s residents and businesses, without having to travel out of the county to board a train that then passes back through Kent.

We are delighted by this news. Granting wider access to the Temple Mills International depot by the ORR is a pivotal step in opening up the cross-Channel rail market. 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.

Ashford International stands ready. Ready for trade – Ready for jobs – Ready for tourism – Ready to return to the international train map.

Ashford Borough Council is now calling for Government to set up the working group we have been calling for to resolve any remaining issues in getting Kent stations open and operational again.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council

Read the ORR announcement in full via their website.