News

Following recent events when five Eurostar trains broke down in the Channel Tunnel, a local MP has tackled the Parliamentary under Secretary for Transport for answers over the safety procedures.

In a letter to Paul Clark, the MP for Whitstable and Canterbury Julian Brazier is calling for answers over safety procedures and rehearsals, after Friday's incident in the Channel Tunnel.

He asks: "I am writing with regard to the recent events in the Channel Tunnel. I would be most grateful if you could let me know when you or your ministerial colleagues last met with Eurotunnel to discuss safety issues. Could I also ask what the legal requirements are for exercises to practice emergency drills?

"You will have been briefed on the events when four trains were caught in the Tunnel overnight. My particular concern is the testimony from passengers that there appeared to be a breakdown in communication and, as a result, a slow and disorganised evacuation. In practice, as the trains had just broken down, the only effect of this was inconvenience and discomfort. But had there been a fire or explosion, rather than just a breakdown, the consequences of such a breakdown could have been serious indeed.

"I should be most grateful for your early comments on this matter."

Mr Brazier later said: "The Channel Tunnel is an important piece of national infrastructure with a good safety record. The public needs to be reassured that safety standards are not slipping."