30th anniversary of first international services from Ashford International

This House celebrates that January 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of international rail services calling at Ashford International station for the first time; notes that for nearly a quarter of a century daily services operated between the station and continental Europe; further notes that the station was developed as an international hub and its connectivity was a key factor in attracting substantial investment to Ashford, Kent, and Sussex; therefore regrets that in 2020 during the pandemic international services were suspended from Ashford International and have not restarted; welcomes support from the Government, local councils, businesses and the public for the return of international services to Ashford International; believes that such a return would be a major boost for jobs, businesses, and regional economic growth; and calls on operators who want to run services between the UK and continental Europe to work with local agencies, councils and the Government to secure the return of international services to Ashford International as soon as possible.