Plans to extend Crossrail to Ebbsfleet are being reconsidered by the government after pressure from Bexley and Dartford MPs.

In a House of Commons debate on Thursday, Dartford MP Gareth Johnson joined with Teresa Pearce, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, and David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, to argue the benefits of "finishing the job" to extend Crossrail.

The Dartford MP opened the debate, calling it "absurd" that HS1 and Crossrail have not been joined, despite being part of the original Crossrail plan.

He argued that there were "ten miles of missed opportunity" in the gap between the two lines, which he believes will bring regeneration and housing to the area if it is transformed by the railway line.

Labour MP Teresa Pearce claimed Crossrail was hugely important in bringing regeneration to South East London. David Evennett echoed this sentiment and said there was huge support in the Bexley area for extending the service.

Orpington MP and minister for transport, Jo Johnson, said the government sees modernisation of the railways as a priority, and promised it would give "fullest possible consideration" to extension plans.

He agreed that, since plans were finalised to end the Crossrail in Abbey Wood in the 2008 Crossrail Act, south east London has seen significant change, which justified reconsideration of the plans by the government.

Johnson also commended the work of the C2E campaign, which aims to extend the Elizabeth Line to north Kent, along a route first laid out in 2008.