Just the ticket! Rishi Sunak vows to cut rail fares for veterans and protect their rights to mark D-Day anniversary
Rishi Sunak has promised to cut train fares for veterans and introduce laws to protect their rights to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The Prime Minister said he would introduce a new Veterans Act to recognize their sacrifice if he wins the election.
It will include measures to ensure that military qualifications have the same legal status as civilian qualifications for the first time.
It will also reduce the price of the Veterans Railcard from £30 per year to £21, bringing it in line with the price that serving staff pay for the HM Forces Railcard.
The Prime Minister said he would introduce a new Veterans Bill to recognize their sacrifice
It will include measures to ensure that military qualifications have the same status under the law as civilian qualifications. Pictured, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks at Britain’s national commemoration event to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Ministers have been discussing a Veterans Act and what it should contain since last October. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty meet D-Day veteran Roy Haywood
The existing national insurance holiday for employers who hire ex-military personnel will also be extended, the party said.
Ministers have been discussing a Veterans Act and what it should contain since last October.
The Prime Minister said: “The heroes who risked their lives to protect our freedoms represent the very best of our country.
‘That’s why we’ve made it a priority to make Britain the best place in the world to become a veteran, with our clear plan to give them the opportunities, aftercare and support they deserve to live a prosperous, fulfilled life to lead.
The existing national insurance holiday for employers who hire ex-military personnel will also be extended
The plan will also reduce the price of the Veterans Railcard from £30 per year to £21
Labor has also made a plea for veterans, with Sir Keir Starmer promising to legislate for a new Armed Forces Tsar to represent the military. Illuminated graves at the Bayeux War Cemetery, in Bayeux, north-west France
‘The choice at the election is clear: vote Conservative for a dedicated veterans minister, veterans’ rights enshrined in law and more opportunities for veterans, or Labor who have no plan and want to take us back to square one.’
Labor has also made a plea for veterans, with Sir Keir Starmer promising to legislate for a new Armed Forces Tsar to represent the military and their families in his first King’s Speech if he wins.
He also announced plans to fully enshrine into law the Armed Forces Covenant, an existing government commitment to support the military community through a range of initiatives.
Veterans Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer said: “D-Day is a moment for us to reflect on the historic bravery of those men who fought for us 80 years ago. Their spirit lives on in the millions of veterans who continue their legacy today.
‘I am immensely proud of the progress we have made to ensure Britain is the best place in the world to become a veteran, and I am determined to ensure we go even further with this clear plan to help vets to support.
“And we will go even further by passing a law that enshrines veterans’ rights in law so that all veterans can have the peace of mind that their dedication will be recognized and rewarded throughout their lives.”
