Eurostar trains cancelled at last minute due to 'unexpected' strike

The strike threatened to disrupt people's festive travel arrangements, ITV News' Martha Fairlie reports

Passengers were left stranded after Eurostar suspended services at the last minute due to an "unexpected strike action".

Eurostar's website showed all services from London St Pancras have been cancelled until 7pm on Thursday, but the strike has now come to an end.

Passengers booked on the three trains due to operate after that time were warned that “we cannot exclude additional last-minute cancellations, which may include your train”.

The move threatened to disrupt people's festive travel arrangements, with one customer on social media writing: "One hour before our departure from London St. Pancras International we've been told that due to an unplanned industrial action by Eurotunnel.

"All trains have been suspended. What a joke. Christmas plans ruined last minute."

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, another added: "@Eurostar you’ve just ruined my Christmas it should have been my first Christmas with my girlfriend, you have ruined everything!"

Responding directly to Eurostar's suggestion that passengers postpone their travel, one customer said: "What a joke. More should be done than just refunds - accommodation in Paris is not cheap and this is the holiday season. Do we just stay here indefinitely?"

The industrial action had impacted Eurostar – which operates passenger services to and from London St Pancras – and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, which runs vehicle-carrying trains to and from Folkestone.

At least 24 Eurostar trains have been cancelled, four of which are returning to their starting point.

A spokesperson for Eurotunnel said: "Eurotunnel management and trade union representatives have reached an agreement at the end of a day marked by strike action which led to the closure of the terminals and the interruption of services since midday.

"This agreement means that LeShuttle Services will resume progressively this evening. Eurotunnel welcomes this agreement and reiterates its apologies to all LeShuttle customers as well as Eurostar passengers and rail freight operators whose traffic has been impacted by this strike."

Travellers faced further travel disruption today after all trains passing through London's Euston Station were cancelled due to a fault on overhead electric wires near Hemel Hempstead.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...