PRIME Minister Andy Burnham has proffered his backing for the return of the Tilbury-Gravesend ferry link.

The service between the two Thames towns was controversially ended in March 2024 after the then Conservative administration in Thurrock had announced it would withdraw its contribution to the joint subsidy with Kent County Council.

Operators Jetstream said they could not continue without the subsidy and the service ran for the last time on 31 March 2024.

Despite significant public clamour for its return and protests from councillors and MPs, there seems no imminent likelihood of cash-strapped Thurrock reversing its decision and as recently as March this year, senior council director Paul Crick played down hopes of a quick solution, saying 'extensive modelling is now required to understand the "optimum" commercial starting point for any reinstated service'.

Calls for the re-opening of the service continue through and yesterday (Wednesday, 9 September) the matter was raised in Westminster at Prime Minister's Questions.

Gravesham Labour MP Dr Lauren Sullivan asked: "The Prime Minister will remember his first visit as Labour leader to Gravesend, proving that he loves the south as much as the north.

"On that day, I spoke to him about the long campaign by me and my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jen Craft) for the return and sustainable funding of the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry.

"Will the Prime Minister give his support again and help us to unlock barriers to back this ferry route, as connectivity matters for supporting high streets?"

Mr Burnham responded by saying: "I am glad to correct at the Dispatch Box something of a myth. I do love the south of England, so I thank my hon. Friend for giving me that opportunity.

"On the day that I became Labour leader, I visited my hon. Friend's constituency and saw where the ferry link used to go across the head of the river, providing critical connectivity for her constituents.

"I do not think it is acceptable that a link once there can just be abandoned and go.

"I will work with my hon. Friend to find ways of bringing that service back, supported by No. 10 North. She has my word on that."

Mr Burnham's words were welcomed by Mrs Craft today. She told Thurrock Nub News: "I was delighted to see the Prime Minister express his support for the return of the Tilbury Ferry.

"Since I became an MP, I've campaigned to bring back this vital service for our community, so it's fantastic to now have backing at the top of government.

"I've been working hard to develop a plan to get the ferry up and running again, and the Prime Minister's support could finally get it over the line."

Mrs Craft has also written to Mr Burnham today, expressing her thanks for his support and reiterating the need for the ferry's return.