A train from the UK to Italy? We've heard that one before, but I'm on board | Jonn Elledge

Italian state railway company, Trenitalia , is planning to run trains through the Channel tunnel.

Last week it announced a 1bn plan to launch a new high-speed service connecting London and Paris by 2029 .

It’s reported to be “studying the possibility’ of extending the route, to Lyon , Marseille and Milan , which could be reached by train from London in eight hours .

Access to rolling stock and money make the Trenitalia/Evolyn tie-up the most plausible competitor so far.

Eurostar itself is promising expansion, suggesting it doesn't think capacity problems are insurmountable.

Europe -wide pressure to replace flights with trains with trains.