Ashford’s ghost terminal could be brought back to life by Richard Branson

‘I urge Richard Branson to seize this opportunity and reconnect our communities with our European neighbours.’ Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA

The decision to end Eurostar’s monopoly on cross-Channel rail shows that Britain is serious about growth (Virgin Trains on track to challenge Eurostar cross-Channel monopoly with access to key depot, 30 October).

Far from just being an inter‑city triumph, allowing Virgin Trains to run rival international rail services brings with it the possibility of reopening the abandoned Ashford International terminal. Opened with £80m of investment, it has been a ghost terminal since Eurostar stopped trains there in 2020.