Sunak Vows Railcard Discount for Veterans on D-Day Anniversary Amid Tight Election Race

On the occasion of the D-Day anniversary, Rishi Sunak promises to reduce the cost of railcards in a bid to appeal to veterans. As the 80th anniversary of D-Day is commemorated, both leading political parties are highlighting their commitment to veterans and the military community in their campaigns.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 9

On the occasion of the 80th D-Day anniversary, Rishi Sunak has promised to reduce train ticket prices for veterans and to legally solidify their rights as part of his campaign proposals.

The Prime Minister has unveiled a series of initiatives designed to make the UK the premier global destination for those who have served in the military.

The cost of the Veterans Railcard has been lowered from £30 annually to £21, matching the price that active service members pay for the HM Forces Railcard.

Breaking News: Renowned chef voices support for the Labour Party in upcoming General Election

The Conservative Party is proposing to broaden the current national insurance discounts for employers that recruit former military personnel, a policy they claim will encourage businesses to keep employing veterans.

However, the Labour Party criticized the Conservative's track record with veterans as "disgraceful" and stated that their proposed policies for the upcoming election "signify no

The provisions will be included in a forthcoming Veterans Bill, which will also legally recognize military qualifications as equivalent to their civilian counterparts for the first time.

Further Details on D-Day Commemoration

Royalty and Global Leaders Gather with Veterans in Normandy for 80th Anniversary of D-Day

D-Day: As they gather in France for the commemorations, Western leaders each have their own agendas to pursue.

"Those we truly honor are the ones who never returned": Reflecting on D-Day veterans past and present

Associated Subjects:

It is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser for an enhanced video player experience.

The government had previously revealed plans for this bill in October, but they were postponed due to the snap general election.

Mr. Sunak stated, "Those who have risked their lives to defend our liberties embody the finest qualities of our nation."

"This is why we've made it our top priority to transform the UK into the foremost global destination for veterans by implementing a definitive strategy that ensures they receive the opportunities, care, and support necessary for them to lead successful, rewarding lives."

The upcoming election presents a distinct decision: support the Conservatives to appoint a dedicated minister for veterans, legally protect veterans' rights, and enhance their opportunities, or choose Labour, who currently lack a clear strategy and risk reverting to outdated policies.

The two leading political parties have capitalized on this week's focus to appeal to veterans and the military community during the 80th anniversary celebrations of D-Day.

D-Day marks the commencement of the Allied invasion on June 6, 1944, aimed at freeing northwest Europe from Nazi control.

On Wednesday, during the start of the commemorations, Sir Keir Starmer committed to introducing legislation for a new armed forces representative who would advocate for military personnel and their families. He promised this would be included in the first King's Speech should Labour be victorious in the upcoming election.

The party has also announced its intention to fully incorporate the armed forces covenant into law, a move that would solidify the government's existing promise to back the military community with various supportive measures.

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and international news by tuning into Sky News.

Sir Keir has been working to change how people view Labour's position on defense since taking over from Jeremy Corbyn, who was known for his skepticism towards NATO and Trident.

Further Reading: Sunak Plans to Challenge Starmer on Security Issues – However, Defense Issues Seldom Decide Election Outcomes. King and Queen Show Deep Emotion During Tributes to the 'Bravery' of D-Day Veterans.

In reaction to the new policy for veterans announced by the Conservatives, a spokesperson from the Labour Party commented, "For 14 years, veterans have experienced numerous promises from the Conservatives but have seen minimal follow-through."

Since 2010, the Conservative Party has not enacted any new legislation specifically benefiting veterans. Furthermore, only 10% of veterans eligible for veteran ID cards have actually received them under their governance, which has also seen an increase in homelessness among veterans.

"The Conservative party's track record with veterans is disappointingly poor, and their proposals for the upcoming election suggest no improvements for veterans. It's time for a new direction with Labour."

"Our commitment to enhancing the daily experiences of our veterans includes fully enacting the Armed Forces Covenant into law, bolstering the Office of Veterans' Affairs, and eliminating visa charges for non-UK veterans who have completed at least four years of service, along with their dependents."

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels on Sky

Additional Sky Websites