Concern raised in Devon over future of veterans’ and forces rail travel discounts

South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith has launched a petition calling on the Government to give long-term legal protection to rail travel discounts for veterans and serving members of the armed forces.

The petition urges ministers to guarantee the Veterans Railcard and HM Forces Railcard in law, amid concerns the discounts could be removed in the future without statutory backing.

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It follows recent parliamentary debates on the Government’s Railways Bill, which proposes restructuring and renationalising the railway network. 

While the Bill includes protections for some existing rail discounts, it does not specifically guarantee railcards for veterans or armed forces personnel.

A Veterans Railcard was introduced in 2020 and offers eligible UK veterans one-third off most rail fares across Great Britain. 

The HM Forces Railcard provides similar discounts for serving personnel and their families.

During the Bill’s committee stage, Conservative MPs put forward amendments seeking to secure legal protection for both railcards. 

Those amendments were voted down, leaving the schemes reliant on government assurances rather than being written into legislation.

Ms Smith said the issue was about providing certainty for those who have served.

“Support for veterans and serving personnel should not depend on goodwill alone,” she said.

She added that the petition aims to ensure the discounts remain in place for the long term.

“This is about recognising the contribution of the armed forces community in a practical way,” she said.

Ms Smith is encouraging people across Devon and beyond to sign the petition as the Railways Bill continues through Parliament.