During the recent Railway Bill Committee, Labour MPs repeatedly voted against Conservative amendments that would have protected the Veterans Railcard and the Armed Forces Railcard in law.
The amendments were straightforward. They would have written these railcards into the legislation that will underpin the future structure of our railways, giving serving personnel, veterans, and their families the reassurance that these discounts cannot simply be removed at a later date without Parliament’s explicit approval.
The Government’s response was that this was unnecessary, because they say they can be trusted not to scrap these railcards in the future. At the same time, Labour has argued strongly that other rail discounts, including those for young people, older passengers, and disabled travellers, should be set out in law.
I believe the same principle should apply to those who have served our country. If Ministers think it is right to guarantee certain discounts in legislation, then they should be willing to do the same for veterans and members of the Armed Forces.
I do not think it is good enough to ask people to rely on goodwill or promises. Policies change, priorities shift, and what exists today can be quietly altered tomorrow. We have seen too many examples of this Labour Government saying one thing and doing another. That is exactly why important protections should be written into law wherever possible.
If you agree that the Veterans Railcard and the Armed Forces Railcard should be guaranteed in the legislation creating a new national railway, please sign my petition below.