I was grateful to speak in the Westminster Hall debate on the potential benefits of restoring international rail services to Ashford.
From conversations with residents and local groups, it’s clear how much these services are missed. Bexhill Rail Action Group has done excellent work to keep this issue alive, and it was great to see it discussed in Parliament.
In my speech, I highlighted two key reasons for resuming international services at Ashford: accessibility and economic benefits.
At the moment, a return ticket from Bexhill to St Pancras costs around £60–£100 per person, while a return to Ashford is only £18 at peak times. Passengers currently have to travel up to St Pancras and then back down again, adding more than two hours to a Paris journey.
Beyond accessibility, there’s major potential for regional growth. The Good Growth Foundation estimates that reinstating services could generate up to £315 million in extra visitor spending each year – not to mention the wider boost to local investment and jobs.
The benefits clearly outweigh any downsides. If Eurostar won’t restart services from Ashford, perhaps another operator could step in.
I’ll continue working with local groups and MPs cross-parties to bring international rail services back to Ashford.
If you would like to watch the whole debate, you can watch it here - https://www.parliamentlive.tv/.../44b149dc-72e0-49ba-bcc3...
If you would like to read the debate, you can do so here - https://hansard.parliament.uk/.../InternationalRailServic...
