Putting Kent Back on the International Rail Map

Kent is not just a place to speed through; the county is more than ready to welcome back European visitors – but, at the moment, it can’t.

Eurostar currently has no plans to stop in Kent, and cannot be relied on to ever bring services back. The people of Kent have waited long enough. It’s time to open the door to competition.Kent County Council (KCC) is uniting with council partners, MPs, local businesses, residents and stakeholders to demand the return of international rail services to Ashford and Ebbsfleet.

Today (26 September 2025) they signed a memorandum of understanding, formalising their shared commitment to bringing back international rail services to Kent. This united front demonstrates their collective determination to secure Kent’s rightful place back on the international rail map.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Council, said:

“Over 25 years of significant investment has ensured Ashford International remains ready, keeping alive the opportunity to support European travel.

“Delivering on international services by re-opening this gateway to Europe holds the key to unlocking the benefits of that investment, not just in Ashford, but for the whole of Kent, wider South East region and the UK economy.

“Ashford International stands ready. Ready for trade – Ready for jobs – Ready for tourism –Ready to return to the international rail map.”

Mr Vincent Caure, the Member of the French National Assembly for French citizens living in the UK, and representatives from Calais in France, where international rail services have also been suspended since March 2020, also attended today’s event.

The event saw the handover of a petition, organised by local campaigners, which has attracted more than 75,000 responses, underlining the strength of public demand for the return of these vital services.

With four new operators keen to step in, and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) set to decide in October whether to unlock access to the only international rail depot in England, the time to act is now.Bringing back international rail services to Ashford and Ebbsfleet is not only about making travel easier, it’s about unlocking serious economic potential.

Forecasts by the Good Growth Foundation show that restoring services could attract up to 493,000 new visitors, generate £315 million in spending, and bring as much as £2.67 billion into the UK economy over five years. This is a critical opportunity that Kent and the UK cannot afford to miss.

KCC Leader, Linden Kemkaran, said: “Kent’s residents and businesses have waited long enough. The infrastructure is here, the demand is real, and the benefits are huge - thousands of jobs, stronger trade, and hundreds of millions for our economy.

“I’m calling on the Office of Rail and Road to do the right thing: end the monopoly and bring in competition, because Kent is more than ready to get back on the international rail map.”

Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, Minister of State (Minister for Rail), said: “We all agree international rail services are hugely beneficial to the communities they serve providing sustainable, fast and convenient connections to Europe.

“It is clear that demand for international rail services has bounced back since the  pandemic and is now at record levels, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable connections to Europe.

“We know there is potential for much more and I want to see major changes over the  coming years that mark a new chapter for international travel which we are  committed to unlocking.

“It will take some time to get here, but this Government is doing everything it can to  make sure these stations are served.”

M. Vincent Caure, Deputé for French citizens in Northern Europe, said: "We support the reopening for all French citizens living in Kent, as this service is not only essential for their daily lives but also a vital link between our two nations."

Cllr Jeremy Kite, Dartford Borough Council Leader, said: “The case for the return of international rail services to Ebbsfleet is unanswerable. International connectivity has always been at the heart of the vision for Ebbsfleet, which already provides an important gateway to North Kent, South London and beyond, and was originally designed to support key developments such as Ebbsfleet Garden City, Cross-Rail, Bluewater and the wider Thames Estuary growth agenda.

We’re absolutely convinced that the return of services represents a major commercial opportunity, as demand for international rail travel grows. Ebbsfleet has all the potential to play a key role in the European rail network and stimulate further regeneration in the area.”

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said: “Reintroducing international rail services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet would provide a simple yet powerful way to unlock business potential and boost Kent and Medway’s economy. It was a grievous blow when the services were stopped; trains on route to Europe are passing us by without stopping.

“The reintroduction of Eurostar services would provide greater opportunities for business expansion and help draw millions of visitors back to our world-class heritage attractions. Restoring international services to two already established railway stations in Kent would support a critical sector in our economy as well as thousands of jobs and provide climate-friendly travel for Kent and Medway residents to venture into Europe. It would be a win-win for everybody and we are firmly behind this important campaign.”

Natacha Bouchart, Mayor of Calais, President of Grand Calais Terres & Mers, Regional Councillor for Hauts-de-France, said:

"Since 2020, I have been speaking out against Eurostar's decision to discontinue services to Calais-Fréthun international station, a major driver in the attractiveness and economic development not only of Calais but the entire Côte d'Opale region. I remain firmly committed to this issue and stand ready to support any initiative that would enable this service to resume as soon as possible."

Vince Lucas, Private sector Infrastructure Lead for Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP); Business Advisory Group Co-Chair for Transport for the South East (TfSE); and Director of VA Rail:

“International rail connectivity is not just a transport issue - it’s a strategic economic imperative. The absence of services at Ashford and Ebbsfleet has created a gap in our region’s ability to attract investment, talent and tourism. Restoring these links would send a powerful signal that Kent and Medway are open for international business, and ready to compete on a global stage.”

Alex Bienfait, Acting Chair of Bring Back Euro Trains (BBET), said: "The passion for bringing international rail back to Kent is undeniable, and our petition proves it—surging by another 3,000 signatures this week to nearly 70,000. People across the region are baffled that our iconic stations are sitting idle while the public clamours for the services they were promised. It is time for the government to show leadership and deliver on the original vision for HS1: a thriving international gateway for the Garden of England, not the dramatically underutilised corridor it has become."

Support the campaign by signing the Bring back Eurostar train services to Kent petition.

Article courtesy of Kent County Council.