Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

International Rail Services: Kent

25 October 2023 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Damian Green Con Ashford

EconomyTransportClimate

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Damian Green raised concerns about international rail services: kent in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Member of Parliament for Ashford raised concerns about the withdrawal of international services by Eurostar from Ashford and Ebbsfleet stations since the pandemic.
  • The MP highlighted the economic impact on Kent, including reduced inward investment and tourism opportunities.
  • The Minister expressed disappointment over the lack of international services and acknowledged Eurostar's financial challenges during the pandemic.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Damian Green Con Ashford

The Member of Parliament for Ashford raised concerns about the withdrawal of international services by Eurostar from Ashford and Ebbsfleet stations since the pandemic. He highlighted the significant economic impact on Kent, including reduced inward investment and tourism opportunities such as access to Disneyland Paris. The MP emphasised that £8.5 million had been spent on new signalling systems at Ashford station for Eurostar trains but no service has yet utilised this investment due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions. He requested that the Government support the resumption of services, particularly in light of Eurostar's profit recovery and the potential entry of a competing rail operator. He also questioned how the UK can encourage more sustainable international travel via rail given climate targets.

Other contributors (2)
  • Gareth Johnson Con Dartford

    Acknowledged Eurostar's impact and emphasised the need for services to resume.

  • Sally-Ann Hart Con Hastings and Rye

    Supported the call for Ashford station services to be reinstated, citing personal experience of using them before their temporary cessation.

Government Response

Huw Merriman

The Minister expressed disappointment over the lack of international services at Ebbsfleet and Ashford stations and acknowledged Eurostar's financial challenges during the pandemic. He committed to supporting competition on the railways, including potentially new entrants, which could benefit passengers in Kent. The Minister highlighted that despite commercial constraints, there is potential for more operators to use these stations given capacity availability. He also pledged to work with European partners to address border entry and exit system issues, aiming to ensure fair treatment of rail travellers. Finally, he emphasised his commitment to pushing Eurostar and other relevant stakeholders for the return of services when it becomes commercially viable.

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