The UK and French governments must support struggling Eurostar after a dramatic fall in passengers during the pandemic a top politician has warned.
Chairman of the Transport Select Committee Huw Merriman said the cross-Channel train operator plays a vital role in enabling low-carbon international travel, but it has been hit by a 95 per cent reduction in passenger numbers.
It is running just a single train daily in each direction between London and Paris, and London and Amsterdam via Brussels.
The firm, which operated more than 50 daily services before the pandemic, has claimed it is “fighting for its survival”.
Eurostar is 55 per cent owned by French state rail company SNCF, while the UK Government sold its stake to private firms for £757 million in 2015.
Tory MP Mr Merriman said: “We simply cannot afford to lose Eurostar to this pandemic. The company contributes £800 million each year to the UK economy.
“It is unique in offering an environmentally friendly, direct, connection to mainland Europe. Trips from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam on the Eurostar emit between 80-90 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than the equivalent short-haul flights.
“Like airlines, quarantine and travel restrictions have blighted Eurostar’s access to its markets during the pandemic. Unlike airlines, Eurostar has been shut out from government loans that have offered a lifeline. It needs a joint, bespoke UK-French solution to help it through this crisis.”
Mr Merriman’s comments came after business leaders in London urged the Government to offer financial assistance to Eurostar.
Meanwhile, a French transport economist told the Transport Select Committee on Wednesday that he believes the UK will be asked to contribute to the survival of the operator.
Professor Yves Crozet, of the University of Lyon, said: “I suppose that the French government will support Eurostar, but not alone.
“But clearly Eurostar is a subsidiary of SNCF, and SNCF has the majority of the capital. So clearly the money will come from France in a very important part but maybe France will ask the UK to give also some hand to the system.”
SNCF chief executive Jean-Pierre Farandou told France Inter radio this week that “the situation is very critical for Eurostar”.
