UK Government Backs Return of International Rail Travel to Kent Stations

Published: 26 September 2025, The English Chronicle Desk

Hopes are rising for the return of international rail services to Kent stations abandoned by Eurostar, as the UK government signals its support for new operators looking to restore cross-Channel services. Ministers have been urging the rail regulator to provide crucial access to prospective entrants who aim to serve Ashford, Ebbsfleet, and potentially London’s Stratford International stations, which have remained closed to high-speed international services since 2020.

Eurostar, majority-owned by the French state railway SNCF, has maintained that stops at these stations are commercially unviable. The pandemic and resulting uncertainties over the operator’s future led to the closure of all stations between London St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel. However, new competitors, including Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, the British startup Gemini Trains, and a partnership between FS Italiane and the Spanish company Evolyn, are exploring ways to revive services.

In a speech in Ashford, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting competition and reopening services. He said he had encouraged train firms to work with regional councils and businesses to “explore solutions” for Kent, adding: “I firmly believe that competition offers the best prospect of international services returning to Kent stations, and welcome the recent announcements that several new entrants are exploring the possibility of serving Ashford, Ebbsfleet and Stratford International stations.”

Lord Hendy confirmed that he had made written representations to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the independent rail regulator, to emphasise government support for competition and the potential economic benefits of reinstating services at Kent stations. The ORR is expected to make a decision next month on whether other firms can gain access to Temple Mills depot in London, which Eurostar currently occupies. Eurostar maintains that the depot is full, citing its own expansion plans.

The push to reopen Kent stations has drawn particular attention to Ashford International, the station closest to the Channel Tunnel. Local MP Helena Dollimore, representing Hastings and Rye, has long campaigned for its restoration. She estimates that reopening the station with border control facilities, including the installation of new Entry/Exit System (EES) kiosks, would cost between £2 million and £3.5 million.

“We really miss that link with our neighbours,” Dollimore said. “For our constituents it is also about jobs, business, and opportunities. It’s a ghost terminal. The British taxpayer spent £80 million on it – it’s a no-brainer to get it up and running again because of the benefits it would bring: more jobs, more visitors, more tourism. It’s crazy they have lost that closest European link.”

Reopening Ashford would significantly reduce travel times to Paris and Brussels for Kent residents compared with travelling to London St Pancras, potentially saving two to three hours on the return journey. Economic analyses, including a report by the Good Growth Foundation, suggest that restoring services could generate up to £2.7 billion in economic growth over five years and attract half a million additional visitors to the region annually.

Despite these prospects, Eurostar has maintained that its Kent stations will remain closed throughout 2025, with a review planned for 2026. A spokesperson said: “Our Kent stations will remain closed throughout 2025 and will be reviewed in 2026. We understand that this may be frustrating, and we want to stress that we are closely monitoring the situation.” Eurostar figures also indicate that only 4% of passengers used Ashford or Ebbsfleet in 2019, with approximately 50 passengers from Ashford on peak services.

The government’s support for reopening Kent stations comes amid wider efforts to reinvigorate the UK’s international rail connectivity. Ministers argue that increased competition could benefit passengers, boost regional economies, and provide more travel options for both business and leisure users. With multiple new entrants exploring the market, Ashford, Ebbsfleet, and Stratford International could once again become key gateways for cross-Channel rail travel, restoring links that were disrupted during the pandemic.