The French Government is in talks with Britain to help prop up a beleaguered Eurostar.

Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said negotiations were underway to protect the cross-channel rail link.

The service has been left floundering by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Only two trains a day are leaving St Pancras in London.

In normal times there are more than 50 trains a day travelling between the UK and Europe.

Britain sold its stake in the company five years ago.

But the Government recognises its importance as a vital link to the continent.

Huw Merriman, chairman of the Transport Select Committee, said:

“We simply cannot afford to lose Eurostar to this pandemic.

“The company contributes £800 million each year to the UK economy.

“It needs a joint, bespoke UK-French solution to help it through this crisis.”