Amendment to Railways Bill: Enhancing Benefits for Veterans and Service Personnel

I am pleased to announce to the House that today the government has introduced an amendment to the Railways Bill, which aims to safeguard discounts for veterans and service personnel in law. Currently, veterans and service personnel enjoy railcards that offer a one-third reduction on most rail fares; however, until today, they lacked statutory protection for this discount. It is essential that we acknowledge the service and sacrifices made by those who have given so much for our country, and this legislation is a significant step in that direction.

This amendment not only provides reassurance to the armed forces community and their families that these discounts will be upheld, but it also reinforces our commitment to prioritising passengers within the rail system through the creation of Great British Railways (GBR).

Transforming the Rail Experience

This government has consistently stated that our railways have been operated with a focus on profit rather than on the needs of passengers for far too long. Therefore, we are establishing GBR as a new entity with a fresh culture and perspective from the outset. GBR will maintain a steadfast commitment to enhancing the passenger experience by delivering reliable, affordable, and high-quality services that travellers expect and deserve. Importantly, GBR’s reach will extend to every community, with existing statutory protections for discounts already in place for young, elderly, and disabled individuals. Today, we are ensuring that both current and former members of our armed forces are equally prioritised for these protections.

Ensuring Future Benefits

By placing these discounts on a statutory basis, we are guaranteeing that future generations of veterans and service personnel will have continued access to these benefits with assurance and clarity. This initiative also complements our recent expansion of complimentary rail travel for bereaved military family members attending Remembrance events, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder the opportunity to honour loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In summary, these measures reflect our commitment to recognising the contributions of the armed forces community through tangible action. Ultimately, this amendment ensures that veterans and service personnel will not be overlooked, and that their dedication to our country will be acknowledged across the railways for years to come.