Virgin Trains’ cross-channel services have been given the green light – here’s the latest

It’s been more than 30 years since the first Eurostar whizzed through the Channel Tunnel, transporting travellers metres under the seabed between London, Paris and beyond into the continent.

While there has been word on the rails that rivals have sought to end Eurostar’s monopoly over the tracks for many years, plans were yet to be given the green light – until now.

On 13 August 2026, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) rail regulator announced the approval of a new framework track access…