today welcomed a new direct
Eurostar rail connection between the Netherlands and the UK
which will help improve journeys for passengers and
businesses.
Speaking after watching the first return journey arrive from
Amsterdam to London St Pancras station this morning, Mr Shapps
praised the new service, which will mean passengers returning
from Amsterdam or Rotterdam will no longer have to interrupt
their journey and get off the train at Brussels to go through
UK border controls.
The more efficient route will also bring benefits for the
environment by incentivising passengers to choose the greener
option, with Eurostar estimating their trains produce between
80 and 90% fewer emissions than the equivalent short haul
flight.
Secretary of State for Transport said:
“We’re continuing to invest in modern, efficient transport
links with the continent so our businesses and tourism
industry can flourish.
“The days of passengers being forced to decamp from the train
at Brussels to file through passport control will soon be
over, as we look forward to direct, return, high-speed
services to Amsterdam and beyond.”
The announcement comes on the day that the Government launches
the next UN climate conference COP26 with a year of climate
action and announces new action to reach its legally binding
target of net zero UK emissions by 2050. [Have just brought
this up higher]
Eurostar has carried over half a million passengers (570,000)
from London to Rotterdam and Amsterdam since first launching
the service two years ago. This number is expected to grow
significantly following the launch of the return service and
will mean that the UK will have seamless high-speed rail links
with three major European cities.
The new greener journey comes as the Government today launches
the next UN climate conference COP26 with a year of climate
action and announces new action to reach its legally binding
target of net zero UK emissions by 2050.
Minister for Security , , said:
“I’m very pleased to see today’s announcement from Eurostar.
Our new agreement with our EU neighbours will make the
journey from Amsterdam as quick and seamless as possible,
while keeping borders secure.
“The UK’s ongoing cooperation with international partners
shows, without doubt, that the UK is open for business with
Europe and the rest of the world.”
Eurostar has had direct services from London to Amsterdam and
Rotterdam since April 2018 but the government is finalising an
agreement with France, Belgium and the Netherlands to enable
passport checks to be conducted at juxtaposed border controls
on departure in the Netherlands.
Juxtaposed border controls are reciprocal arrangements,
underpinned by bilateral treaties that deliver a high level of
border security. They enable border fluidity, maintain security
and allow goods and passengers to undergo entry checks prior to
arrival at their destination.
