The PM has spoken out in favour of international services returning there. (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer has called for to return to an overlooked UK town.
Rail services linking Britain and Europe haven’t used stations at the Kent stations of Ashford or Ebbsfleet – which were purpose-built partly for international lines – for nearly five years.
The loss of direct services from Kent was blamed by the firm on the economic impacts of the pandemic and the increased border controls since , as per .
But locals have been urging for them to resume services to Europe, with a petition calling for trains at Ashford International to come back gathering over 60,000 signatures.
The , has since signalled in the House of Common that he is in favour of the swift return of services, in response to Ashford MP Sojan Joseph.
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Sir Keir said his government is keen to see services from the Kent stations to Europe back ‘as soon as possible’ (Image: Getty)
“I know this is an issue of considerable frustration to his (the local MP) constituents, the decision in question is ultimately for ,” he said in Parliament.
“But we are keen to see international services reinstated to Ashford as soon as possible,” added.
London St Pancras is currently the only Eurostar stop in the UK, but passengers could previously alight at both Ashford International and Ebsfleet International.
While they remain out of operation for these services, travelling to Europe from Kent have to travel to London before re-boarding going back thorugh the country to reach the Channel Tunnel, making the journey time much longer.
[REPORT]
It’s also thought adding a return to Ashford could help alleviate congestion at St Pancras, reports.
said the Kent stations will remain closed this year and will be reviewed in 2026.
A spokesperson for the firm added that the situation was being closely monitored.
“We recognise the importance of these stations to the local communities, and we remain fully committed to the future of rail connectivity and continue to work transparently with local councils and stakeholders,” they said, as per .