Tracks, Tunnels, and Trust: Rethinking the East Kent–France Corridor

 

As the UK reimagines its place in Europe post-Brexit, with 66% of Brits urging Rejoin, the East Kent–Hauts-de-France corridor as the only multi-national Euroregion before, offers a tantalising opportunity for renewal. But any vision of a cross-Channel Euroregion must reckon with the ghosts of past mismanagement—and the promise of smarter, more strategic cooperation.

Parkway Promises and the Manston Mess

The much-hyped Thanet Parkway station, opened in 2023, was billed as a catalyst for East Kent regeneration. Yet critics argue it’s become a symbol of “Manston-style” corruption—a reference to opaque procurement, inflated costs, and questionable land deals at the cancelled cargo airport on the aquifer. With passenger numbers underwhelming and local bus links patchy, Parkway risks becoming a white elephant unless integrated into a broader Euroregion strategy.

A full public review of Parkway’s planning and delivery is overdue—not just to assign accountability, but to inform future infrastructure governance across Kent and beyond.

Ashford, Stratford, and the Eurostar Reboot

Ashford International and Stratford International rail stations have been mothballed since 2020, with Eurostar citing financial constraints and MP's being overly tame and London-centric. Despite a £10 million signalling upgrade at Ashford in 2018, services remain suspended until at least late 2025, with no firm commitment to return. Similarly foot passenger/bus options need opening on Le Shuttle.

Yet local councils, MPs, and business leaders should be campaigning hard for reinstatement. Ashford is a critical node for East Kent, and Stratford offers a vital East London–Europe link. Reopening both would:

  • Relieve pressure on St Pancras

  • Reconnect regional economies

  • Support sustainable travel and tourism

Dunkirk–Kent Ferry and Boulogne Revival

The Dunkirk–Ramsgate ferry proposal is also gaining traction as a way to ease Dover congestion and diversify freight routes. Ramsgate Port, with investment, could become a green logistics hub linked to Town Tourism and HS1.

Meanwhile, Boulogne-sur-Mer, once a bustling ferry port, is eyeing a comeback. A Boulogne–Folkestone or Boulogne–Ramsgate link could:

  • Support foot passengers and cyclists

  • Reconnect cultural and culinary tourism circuits

  • Complement Calais freight flows

Lille, Arras, and the Euroregion Secretariat

Rather than duplicating roles, Lille and Arras could split responsibilities:

  • Lille as the logistics and trade hub

  • Arras as a migrant processing and skills centre, easing pressure on Calais and Kent

A Euroregion Secretariat in Ashford or Canterbury, with satellite desks in Lille and Dunkirk, could coordinate with Brussels:

  • Interreg and Horizon funding

  • CPTPP-compatible trade pilots

  • Cultural and climate diplomacy

    Gurkhas, Royal Marines, and the Diplomacy of Service

A Gurkha–Royal Marines liaison unit, based in Folkestone and Lille, could support:

  • Disaster response and humanitarian logistics

  • Joint training on Anglo-French climate resilience and border security

  • Veteran-led Anglo-French-Benelux reforestation and infrastructure projects

Conclusion: The East Kent–France corridor doesn’t need another vanity project. It needs vision, vigilance, and values. From Parkway to Boulogne, we need to build a Euroregion that works—not just on paper, but for people.

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