Declares that Veterans and HM Forces rail travel discounts should be protected in law.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to introduce legislation to create a statutory duty for the continued provision of the Veterans Railcard and HM Forces Railcard schemes.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Alicia Kearns , Official Report, 27 April 2026; Vol. 784, c. 709 .]
[P003192]
Observations from the Minister of State for Transport (Lord Peter Hendy):
The Government recognise the important contribution made by members of our armed forces. This includes ensuring they are able to benefit from discounted travel, including through the existing HM forces railcard and veterans railcard schemes.
We do not consider it necessary to place a statutory duty on the Secretary of State to secure the continued provision of these specific railcards. As set out in the Railways Bill, the existing legislative framework already provides a strong basis for the continuation of concessionary fare schemes, while allowing appropriate flexibility in how they are designed and delivered over time.
The Government remain fully committed to supporting the armed forces and veteran community through this and other means. There are no plans to withdraw the HM forces or veterans railcards, and the Government remain fully committed to supporting the armed forces community.