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France and UK must act over Channel tunnel to save jobsLetter to the Financial Times 17 December 2001 Dear Sir We are extremely concerned at the threat to international Channel Tunnel rail freight services as a result of the French and UK Governments’ inability to resolve security problems caused by clandestine entrants attempting to reach Britain. Since 7th November the French railways have suspended almost all cross-Channel rail freight because of a lack of security in the Calais area. This has resulted in huge rail freight business losses, is seriously jeopardising jobs in the rail freight industry, is adding to road congestion and does nothing to encourage potential customers to use rail. The Government’s Ten-Year Transport Plan targets a growth in rail freight of 80%. This will not be realised without continued development of international freight traffic through the Channel Tunnel. British industry can ill afford the loss of business which the continued uncertainty is causing. The UK Government must urge the French Government to implement effective security in the Calais area. Effective fencing must be installed around the French railways’ freight sidings and full security staffing must be available at all times. Using rail freight operators as unlicensed frontier guards is not acceptable. The tunnel must be policed and secured from both sides. We expect the Government to act now to deal with this issue and to secure the many jobs dependent on rail freight traffic through the Channel Tunnel. Yours faithfully Graham
Smith – Planning Director, EWS
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