Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has indicated that efforts to bring cross-Channel rail services to Stratford International are close to fruition. Khan stated that his team has been working with the new government to make the station truly international for the first time.
Stratford International was constructed with most of the necessary infrastructure for international services, including passport desks and an arrivals hall, but these facilities have remained unused. The Mayor argues that the potential of international services to further transform this part of London remains untapped.
Khan highlighted the economic benefits, suggesting that connecting Stratford to the continent would generate an additional £1.3bn in tourist spending across the UK. He also noted strong operator demand for international services at Stratford.
The Mayor contrasted this proposal with expanding Heathrow Airport, stating that a third runway would undermine climate goals and increase car journeys. He noted that three times more Britons support increasing international rail services over expanding airports.