The Prime Minister has backed calls to reinstate international trains in Kent saying he is “keen” to see the services return.
Sir Keir Starmer made the statement during today’s Prime Minister’s Questions when Ashford MP Sojan Joseph (Lab) asked if he would support the return to “help economic growth” in the constituency.
Keir Starmer said he is “keen” for international rail services to return to Kent at PMQs. Photo: KMG/Parliament
No international services have stopped at Ashford or Ebbsfleet stations since the first lockdown in March 2020, sparking anger among passengers who now have to travel to London to catch services bound for the continent.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Joseph asked: “The trading links between the UK and mainland Europe are of particular importance to my constituency of Ashford.
“So, would the Prime Minister support my effort, and those of other Kent colleagues, to restore international train services to Ashford International Station that will help economic growth in my constituency, Kent and the wider south east?”
Responding, Sir Keir said: “Businesses in this constituency have been badly let down by the deal of the last government.
“We of course are resetting and strengthening that relationship, on the economy, on energy, on security to deliver the growth we need.
Eurostar has not served Kent since March 2020
“I know this is an issue of considerable frustration to his constituents.
“The decision in question is ultimately for Eurostar but we are keen to see international services reinstated to Ashford as soon as possible andI would be happy for the rail minister to update him on the latest discussions.”
It comes as today marks 29 years since UK’s second Eurostar station opened at Ashford International.
Its opening came after an 18-month, £80million construction project, which started in June 1994, to transform the town’s station.
The infrastructure now sits empty meaning the once bustling station is now deserted.
Sojan Joseph MP for Ashford. Picture: Oliver Aston
A campaign group made up of residents and business owners decided to start a petition in March 2023 to see how much support there was for the services to return.
It racked up thousands of signatures in a matter of weeks and now has more than 60,000 supporters.
Since making its decision to avoid the county, Eurostar has failed to say whether it will ever return to Kent again in the future.
However, it has already confirmed it will on happen in 2025.
Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “On the 29th anniversary of Eurostar services arriving in Ashford, we are demanding their return as we begin the count down to 30 years.
The international side of the station sits empty and largely unusedEurostar was accused of “goading” passengers after stopping in Ashford overnight in October. Picture: Rowan Clark
“We will not give up. Our fight continues, and we are making a strong case to both Eurostar and the Government.
“Ashford has a station that is perfectly equipped to serve international rail passengers, with decades of significant investment in infrastructure.
“There is a clear and growing demand from residents and businesses across the south-east region.
“Services at Ashford International Station are vital—not only for local businesses and travellers but also for securing future commercial investments, supporting the wider tourism industry, and driving economic growth throughout the south-east. It’s time for these services to be restored.”
Eurostar has been approached for comment.