Direct trains to Germany: Campaign for Better Transport reacts

17 July 2025

“We are delighted to see this announcement, and the public will be too. As our research has shown, international rail is popular with travellers and offers a huge opportunity for the UK economy. With less than half of the Channel Tunnel’s passenger capacity currently being used, there is fantastic scope for more people to travel internationally by train, not just to Germany but to destinations in Switzerland, the South of France and elsewhere. A great next step would be for the Government to develop an international rail strategy with ambitious targets to grow both passenger numbers and freight haulage.”

ENDS

For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

Read the Government announcement: Government agrees landmark plans to lay down the tracks for direct trains to Germany.

Campaign for Better Transport’s April 2025 report, Runways to railways: unlocking the potential of the Channel Tunnel, called on Government to:

• Facilitate more direct services between London and more European cities
• Develop an International Rail Strategy which should include targets to grow passenger numbers and rail freight
• Reopen Ashford and Ebbsfleet International stations and bring international services to Stratford International station
• Enable new operators to offer passenger services where there is unused capacity, helping to reduce prices for passengers
• Work with the EU to streamline border controls at rail termini to make international travel easier.

Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and protects the environment. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).