Last Friday (12 September) saw a meeting take place to advance the future of UK-based cross-Channel rail services in Parliament.
The meeting, which was convened by Calvin Bailey MBE MP, included key figures from Evolyn, Gemini, Trenitalia and Virgin, as well as Eurostar and infrastructure operators London St Pancras Highspeed and Eurotunnel.
With each of the five train companies seeking to invest in the UK’s cross-Channel capabilities; the meeting was called to discuss the need for the urgent securement of International investment in the UK, with a key focus on transparency regarding capacity at Temple Mills rail depot in Leyton, which is considered key to delivering any new cross-Channel agenda.
Those in attendance held an open discussion of both the immediate and long-term steps necessary to secure investment, with all operators expressing a willingness to work together maximise the potential benefits of such a project for the country’s economy, as well as the general consumer public.
Wendy Spinks, Chief Commercial Officer at London St Pancras Highspeed, said:It is incredibly positive to see the momentum behind expanding cross-Channel rail services. We have a real opportunity to boost the UK economy. Growing high-speed rail links to Europe will benefit passengers, cut emissions and create jobs in the area. We have ambitious plans as do all of the train operators and with timely decisions to allow investment, we can turn this potential opportunity into reality.
Current data projects a doubling of total passenger numbers on the Channel Tunnel during the next fifteen years, bringing with it a potential 1 billion GBP of tourist spend to the UK.
Government presence at the meeting was represented by Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Transport Liam Conlon MP, and Benn Hall, Head of International Rail at the Department for Transport.
The coming weeks are now set to see a final decision from the Office of Rail and Road regarding access at Temple Mills, which could in turn allow for investment commitments for new rolling stock by 2026.
Calvin Bailey MBE, Member of Parliament for Leyton and Wanstead said:This is such an exciting agenda that could bring billions to the UK. What we’ve heard proves that investors are queueing up to access this growth opportunity. All they need is the certainty that Temple Mills can provide the necessary depot capacity, and I will continue to work with the government to facilitate this.
The Department for Transport is also currently assessing options for further expansion of depot capacity in order to enable the growth of international rail services over the medium term, including a number of locations within the immediate vicinity of Temple Mills.
Calvin Bailey MBE, Member of Parliament for Leyton and Wanstead said:This is such an exciting agenda that could bring billions to the UK. What we’ve heard proves that investors are queueing up to access this growth opportunity. All they need is the certainty that Temple Mills can provide the necessary depot capacity, and I will continue to work with the government to facilitate this.
