Rough riding had been reported at the site near Lewes where a train from London to Eastbourne became derailed on 13 August. The last three vehicles left the rails and overturned in a field by the line. Thirty people were injured, and of these 20 required hospital treatment. Two of them were seriously hurt.

Virgin Trains has made a significant step towards running international services, because the Office of Rail and Road has given preliminary approval for a new framework track access agreement through the Channel Tunnel. The move is set to spark serious competition on international services, because Trenitalia has announced plans to launch trains from London to the continent in 2029, while Eurostar also has expansion plans.