Landmark Deal Restores Regular Cross-Channel Rail Freight — Cutting Pollution, Congestion and Potholes

British businesses could soon gain direct rail freight links to the continent, as a landmark deal paves the way for the return of regular cross-Channel rail freight. The government-backed deal, announced on February 25, 2026, will see Network Rail and its property development company Platform4 take long-term control over the Barking Eurohub site in east London, with plans for around £15 million of investment to transform it into an international logistics hub. This investment will help support the return of regular intermodal freight trains — which carry cargo in containers that can be easily transferred across rail, road and sea — through the Channel Tunnel. British businesses will be able to directly import and export goods via rail to France, Germany, Italy and Spain, deepening trade links with Europe. This could open the possibility for Scottish whisky, British white goods and consumer products to be exported by train to European customers, or London's bustling food markets to receive fresh fruit and vegetables direct from continental growers. The deal will also help reduce congestion on the roads, leading to less pollution, less traffic and fewer potholes — particularly in the south-east at the Dartford Crossing and M20/M2 corridors. Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: 'This deal is a huge opportunity to reinvigorate rail freight by paving the way for the return of regular services through the Channel Tunnel. It will boost British businesses, support new jobs and help cut carbon emissions by shifting freight from road to rail.' Growing rail freight is a key part of the government's ambitions to reform the rail network. Once Great British Railways is established, it will have a statutory duty to promote rail freight use and the Transport Secretary will set growth targets. Every freight train removes approximately 76 lorries from the road, meaning a regular cross-Channel service could eliminate thousands of heavy goods vehicle journeys per year — reducing wear on roads, cutting carbon emissions, and easing congestion for everyday motorists. The Barking Eurohub, once fully operational, is expected to create new logistics and supply chain jobs in east London while positioning the UK as a more connected trading partner within Europe.