Mayor Khan pushes for cross-Channel rail from Stratford instead of Heathrow expansion
London Mayor Sadiq Khan argues that expanding international train services at Stratford International would deliver greater economic and environmental benefits than a third runway at Heathrow.
In a column, Mayor Sadiq Khan calls for the activation of Stratford International as a genuine gateway to Europe, arguing it would build on the area’s recent regeneration that now supports over 38,000 jobs and generates roughly £3.5 bn annually. He notes that the station was constructed with the infrastructure for cross-Channel services but has never been used for that purpose, leaving passport desks idle. Khan stresses that three times as many Britons prefer expanding international rail over a third Heathrow runway, emphasizing the climate advantage of rail, which can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 96 % compared with flying.
He projects that by 2035 the Olympic Park could add 11,000 jobs and £2 bn to the economy, while the wider East London region may create over 200,000 jobs by 2050. The mayor also references Sir Stephen Timms’s long-standing campaign for the link and claims his team is close to securing government support for the plan.
Why it matters
The proposal could reshape London’s transport, boost the East London economy and help meet climate goals.
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