The report, commissioned by Groupe Eurotunnel to demonstrate the value the tunnel brings, said exports through it support an estimated 22,000 jobs in the UK.

In the 22 years since it has opened, the report said the tunnel has fundamentally changed UK logistics by enabling integrated manufacturing across the continent and opening up new markets.

It has particularly benefited sectors which rely on "just in time" production techniques, including the automotive industry, has enhanced express delivery for logistics companies and facilitated rapid transportation of essential fresh food products, the report said.

The tunnel also transports 21 million passengers a year and brings in tourism worth £1.7bn ($2.12bn) to the UK economy, which in turn supports a further 45,000 jobs. Its trains transport people on an estimated 840,000 business trips a year.

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