Stratford International eyed for European train services
Mayor Sadiq Khan is in discussions with the government to bring international rail links to east London.
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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is in discussions with the government regarding the potential for international train services to stop at a second major London station: Stratford International. This initiative aims to extend services to and from France and other European countries to east London.
Mr Khan stated on social media platform X that Stratford, a significant regeneration area, is prepared for European rail links. He further explained that he is collaborating with the government to introduce new cross-Channel trains from East London, suggesting the benefits would extend beyond the city.
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Government Support for Stratford Stop
Rail minister Lord Hendy confirmed to The Standard that the government is actively encouraging international trains to call at Stratford International, in addition to St Pancras International. Lord Hendy, a former Transport Commissioner for London, noted that Stratford is a major transport hub with substantial potential for local growth. He added that the government believes international services stopping at the station could support this expansion and that they are engaging with industry partners to achieve this.
Stratford and Bow Labour MP Uma Kumaran has voiced her support for Mr Khan's proposal, aiming to establish Stratford International as a fully international station. She highlighted potential benefits such as job creation, increased opportunities, and the possibility of day trips to Paris accessible from East London.
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Virgin's International Service Plans
Sir Richard Branson's Virgin company is exploring the possibility of a stop in east London as it moves closer to operating international services to the UK. The rail firm is also assessing potential stops at Ebbsfleet and Ashford in Kent. Virgin has been granted track access by the Office of Rail and Road for new services between London and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, scheduled to commence in 2030. This agreement allows for up to 20 new daily return services through the Channel Tunnel between October 1, 2030, and December 31, 2040, using tracks managed by London St Pancras High Speed.
Long-Standing Campaign for Stratford Services
East Ham MP Sir Stephen Timms has been campaigning for over 30 years for international rail services to the capital to include stops at Stratford and another London terminus, previously Waterloo. Sir Stephen first proposed international trains calling at Stratford in the late 1980s when he chaired the Newham planning committee. The potential for a second London stop for international services is also supported by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the operator of the Westfield shopping centres in east and west London.
Questions this report answers
+What is being proposed for Stratford International station?
Mayor Sadiq Khan is in talks with the government to establish international train services at Stratford International. This would allow trains to and from France and other European countries to stop at the east London station.
+Does the government support international trains stopping at Stratford?
Yes, rail minister Lord Hendy has stated that the government is actively pushing for international trains to stop at Stratford International, in addition to St Pancras International, seeing it as an opportunity to support growth.
+When could new international train services start?
Sir Richard Branson's Virgin has secured track access for new services between London and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, planned to begin in 2030. This agreement covers services running between October 2030 and December 2040.
+Who has campaigned for international trains at Stratford?
East Ham MP Sir Stephen Timms has been campaigning for international rail services to stop at Stratford for over 30 years. He first raised the possibility when he chaired the Newham planning committee in the late 1980s.
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