Prime Minister Back International Rail Campaign

Ashford Borough Council has welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to ask the Transport Secretary to explore the return of international rail services to Ashford, a move that could unlock significant opportunities for businesses and the visitor economy.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham made the commitment after Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore described restoring services as a “no-brainer”, with the potential to deliver a £2.7 billion boost to Kent and Sussex and attract more than 500,000 visitors each year.

International passenger services from Ashford were suspended in 2020 and have yet to return. Although Eurostar has said it has no plans to resume Kent stops, it has acknowledged that future operators could reassess the role of Ashford and Ebbsfleet stations.

Prospective operator Virgin plans to launch cross-Channel services linking London with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030, with up to 20 daily return services. It has said: “If these stations are reopened, Virgin will stop in Kent.”

The campaign has already secured more than 85,000 petition signatures, and more than 20,000 people have completed a demand survey helping to demonstrate a viable market for international stops in Kent.

Businesses, residents and supporters are encouraged to complete and share the survey, strengthening the case for international trains to serve Ashford once again.

Find out more, get involved and get on board the campaign.