Next week's budget is expected to fund upgrades at the east London station, enabling it to host cross-Channel services and fulfil its original design.
01Summary
- 01London mayor Sadiq Khan has been lobbying ministers for funding to upgrade Stratford International's two platforms.
- 02The upgrade would cost an estimated £20m and include a border post, security checks and passenger facilities.
- 03Khan says the plan would allow one in three trains to and from France to stop at the station.
- 04Virgin plans to launch a competing cross-Channel service in 2030 and has expressed interest in stopping at Stratford.
- 05Chancellor John Healey is reportedly considering a business rate retention zone to help fund the redevelopment.
02Why it matters
This would connect east London directly to Europe for the first time, boosting local jobs, investment and tourism, while offering an alternative to airport expansion.
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