There is currently a direct London to Amsterdam route but returning passengers have to stop in Brussels for security checks.

A new treaty, signed in Brussels on Tuesday (7 July) by France, Belgium and the Netherlands, will allow UK Border Force staff to be stationed in Amsterdam and Rotterdam and carry out checks before boarding.

A spokesperson for Eurostar told the Evening Standard: "This is a great milestone which allows us to progress our plans to introduce direct services from the Netherlands to the UK later this year.

“We will update as soon as possible when we are able to put tickets on sale and confirm a start date.”

Transport secretary Grant Shapps added: “As we begin to emerge from one of the greatest international challenges of our time, we’re working hard to support the recovery of international transport and tourism sectors.

“Investment in modern, convenient and more environmentally friendly high speed rail links between major European cities will help drive this recovery so these sectors can flourish once again.”