In February, in a move initiated by Ciarán Cuffe MEP, cross-party members of the European Parliament’s political groups wrote to the French and UK governments as well as the European Transport Commissioner calling for urgent action to safeguard the future of cross-channel passenger services with the Eurostar company.On receiving a reply from the UK Government, Ciarán Cuffe Green MEP for Dublin said, “I welcome Minister Shapps' response to the letter from MEPs calling for the UK and French governments to take urgent action to save the Eurostar. It was encouraging to read the Ministers change in tone from previous comments that implied the UK would not take a role in providing assistance to the Eurostar. Equally, it was welcome to see the Minister recognise Eurostar’s contribution to UK businesses, and its positive environmental impact. 3,000 jobs in the UK depend on Eurostar. Many British families are relying on this much-needed income during the pandemic. Mr Cuffe went on to say, “The clock is ticking. Eurostar needs a lifeline now. Once again, I am calling on the French and UK governments to act quickly before an essential service falls victim to the COVID crisis.”ENDSs.