Virgin Trains, a rail service operated by the Virgin Group, is exploring the possibility of expanding its cross-Channel services to include new stops in Kent, such as Stratford International, Ebbsfleet, and Ashford. The company was granted approval in August by the Office of Rail and Road to run cross-Channel services, with initial plans to operate 20 daily return journeys between London St Pancras and stations in Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. This expansion would allow passengers to travel more directly between the UK and continental Europe, potentially improving connectivity and reducing travel times. East Ham MP Sir Stephen Timms has urged Virgin and other new rail operators to consider stopping at Stratford International, highlighting the station’s growing commercial potential. Stratford International is located on High Speed 1, the high-speed rail line connecting London to the Channel Tunnel. Although Eurostar had previously considered using the station, it has not yet served international trains. Currently, the station is used by Southeastern for domestic high-speed services and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), a light rail system serving London’s eastern areas. A spokesperson for the Virgin Group said the company is “looking forward to exploring additional stops, including Stratford International,” and is in discussions with stakeholders to determine future expansion options. Virgin is also evaluating whether to include Ebbsfleet and Ashford in Kent, both of which were previously used by Eurostar before the service shifted to St Pancras in 2020. Wendy Spinks, chief commercial officer at London St Pancras Highspeed, has expressed concerns about increasing overcrowding at the station, which has worsened since the expansion of security and border processing procedures. The Independent has reached out to Virgin Group for further comment on the proposed expansion and its potential impact on passenger experience and infrastructure.