Hello everyone,

We have written to all the General Election candidates in Kent, East Sussex, and some in Essex asking them to sign up to the Bring Back Euro Trains pledges.

If you live in any of these counties, can you help encourage your local candidates to support the campaign and sign the pledges? This will hugely help our campaign to restart Ashford and Ebbsfleet's international train services.

To find out who's standing in your constituency, go to our website (Click here) and see the alphabetical list of each constituency by county, showing the candidates and their contact email.

We have already sent them the invitation to sign the pledges. Send them an email to nudge them to sign up! It will demonstrate that this issue matters to their potential voters.

Please check if they have already signed, they will have a tick next to their name and email. If they have signed up please email them to let them know that their support is valued.

Thank so much for your help.

Bushra Akhtar

Chair of Bring Back Euro Trains.
 

The Bring Back Euro Trains General Election pledges:
We are asking candidates, if elected, to commit to:
 

1. Advocate for the Resumption of Services by Eurostar: Actively lobby Eurostar to reinstate services to Ashford and Ebbsfleet, emphasising the community, business, and economic benefits of these connections.
2. Lobby for Party and Government Commitments: Urge my party, and the new government, to support the reinstatement of Kent international rail services at the national level including in policy.
3. Encourage Alternative Providers: Encourage competition from other private and/or public-backed rail operators to serve these stations to enhance choice, affordability, and reliability, and work for a conducive environment that minimises barriers to entry and facilitates a level playing field. Advocate for substantial British ownership and control of new services where possible.
4. Secure Permanent Services: Strive to embed minimum service levels for Ashford and Ebbsfleet into legal agreements, ensuring that these publicly funded stations are guaranteed their international services, and preventing future cessations.
5. Engage with Stakeholders: Cultivate partnerships with local government, business leaders, transport groups, and constituents to create a robust support network for international rail services, reflecting the interests of citizens and all stakeholders.
6. Highlight Environmental Benefits: Emphasise the environmental advantages of international rail travel over air and road transport, contributing to the UK's carbon reduction goals.
7. Promote Future-proofing Infrastructure Investments: Advocate for future-proofing investment in the infrastructure at Ashford and Ebbsfleet to ensure they are equipped to handle increased international traffic and expanding services.
8. Recognise the National Importance of International Rail: Champion a holistic and joined up approach to the UK rail network by helping to develop a comprehensive national strategy that includes international rail, underscoring its role and benefits at a national level.
9. Champion Ashford and Ebbsfleet as Regional Hubs: Highlight the potential of Ashford and Ebbsfleet as regional hubs that can distribute international passengers across the region, reducing congestion in London, improving regional connectivity, and promoting sustainable travel.