Reports indicate that funding to upgrade Stratford International station in east London will be included in next week’s government budget, a move that could allow the facility to begin handling cross‑Channel rail services.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has repeatedly urged ministers to provide the money needed to bring the station up to the technical and border-control standards required for international trains. Supporters say the work would enable Stratford International to "live up to its name" by becoming a gateway for services between the UK and continental Europe.
The proposed upgrades would be aimed at enabling the station to start operating international rail services, according to the reports, though precise details of the package and the timetable for work have not been publicly disclosed. The funding announcement is being reported ahead of the budget set to be published next week.
Backers of the plan argue that allowing cross‑Channel services to call at Stratford International would improve transport connectivity for east London and could create new travel options for passengers. City officials have pushed for the change as part of wider efforts to boost transport infrastructure and local economic opportunities.
It was not immediately clear when any upgrades would begin or when international services might start if the funding is confirmed. Government and Transport for London spokespeople had not issued formal statements in response to the reports at the time they emerged.