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

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.