Virgin aims to raise £700m to rival Eurostar on cross-Channel trains

Richard Branson's group plans rail routes linking London to Paris and Brussels, and maybe Amsterdam

Richard Branson's Virgin Group is aiming to raise 700m to fund its plan to launch new cross-Channel rail services that would compete with Eurostar.

Virgin, which previously operated intercity trains in Britain including between London and Glasgow, plans to start rail services connecting London with Paris and Brussels. It would also look to run trains to Amsterdam.