Plans to introduce international rail to Stratford International discussed

We welcome the growing recognition that opening intermediate stations to international rail services can ease pressure on St Pancras, widen access to sustainable travel and spread the economic benefits of cross-Channel rail beyond central London.

But Ashford International is the strongest—and most deliverable—place to start. Ashford already has the international station infrastructure, capacity and proven demand. More than 85,000 people have signed the petition to restore international services to Kent, while over 20,000 passenger journeys have been registered through the Bring Back Euro Trains demand survey.

Restoring international services at Ashford would reconnect East Kent with Europe, support businesses and tourism, attract investment and give residents a greener, more convenient alternative to travelling into London only to pass back through Kent.

We welcome the recent developments concerning Stratford International. They reinforce the principle that intermediate stations have an important role to play. Now the Government and rail operators should prioritise Ashford: the station is here, the capacity is here and the demand is clear.

Help strengthen the commercial case by registering the international journey you would make: Bring Back Euro Trains passenger demand survey