MPs call for urgent return of international services to Ashford, warning £2.7bn in lost growth
Ashford International could deliver up to £2.7 billion in economic growth for the South East over the next five years if international services are restored, according to a new report by the Good Growth Foundation. The report calls on the Government to support reopening the station and several Kent and East Sussex MPs have backed the campaign, including: Sojan Joseph, MP for Ashford, and Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye.
In January, HS1 was forced to reduce its charges for running services on the line - explicitly to encourage the introduction of new operators. The Good Growth Foundation argues the Government should favour potential new operators that will run international services at Ashford.
Since its closure to international travel in 2020, Ashford International - which cost £80m to build and acts as a regional rail hub - has largely sat dormant, leaving communities disconnected and vital economic opportunities unrealised. The vacuum has fuelled frustration in parts of Kent and Sussex, where Reform has been gaining ground.
The report, Light at the End of the Tunnel, highlights the transformative potential of reopening Ashford International, including:
Delivering up to £534 million GVA per year to the South East, totalling £2.7 over five years.
Increasing tourism by an estimated 500,000 visitors a year - boosting footfall for hotels, restaurants and local businesses.
Reducing return journey times to Brussels from almost six hours to just over three and those to Paris by over 2 hours.
Turning a ghost station into a visible symbol of government investment in left-behind communities.
The Good Growth Foundation estimates that reopening international services would require £2-3.5 million in capital investment - a modest amount relative to the economic benefits.
Director of the Good Growth Foundation, Praful Nargund, said: “At a time when Britain is struggling with a stagnant economy, it is absurd that the international services at Ashford lie derelict. This is a ready-made opportunity to bring vibrancy and growth back to towns and coastal communities that have been left behind for too long. The Government should signal its support for this project, which would generate billions for the South Coast and be a visible symbol of investment in a region battling the populist right.”
Labour MP for Ashford, Sojan Joseph, said: “Ashford International was built to be a gateway to Europe and a hub for the whole south coast. Its closure has cut off workers, families and businesses from the growth and connections our region depends on. Reopening the station would revitalise towns across Kent and beyond, and show that we are central to Britain’s future.”
Labour MP for Hastings and Rye, Helena Dollimore, said: “The loss of Ashford International means more than just trains to the people I represent - the impact on jobs, opportunities, tourism and links with our European neighbours is huge. Restoring international services at Ashford is key to unlocking the economic growth that we need along the South Coast.”
