Eurotunnel thinks Boris' idea for bridge across the Channel is premature

Joanna Bourke
Updated
UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson has floated the idea of new crossing between the UK and France: PA
UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson has floated the idea of new crossing between the UK and France: PA

Eurotunnel on Friday broadly welcomed new plans for building a bridge linking Britain and France, but suggested the idea was premature.

The shuttle service firm was responding to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson’s suggestion of a bridge across the Channel, during a summit with the French president.

A Eurotunnel spokesman said “it is a very interesting prospect”, and one that emphasised how vital the Channel Tunnel fixed link has become to the UK. It carries £100 billion of trade between the UK and continental Europe each year.

As part of a 1986 agreement between the French and British governments, Eurotunnel would be the first company to be approached about being involved in a second tunnel or new bridge.

However, the firm pointed out that Channel Tunnel traffic only uses about 54% of the total Tunnel capacity.

“So there is still a considerable margin for growth before we really need a second crossing,” a spokesman added.