Sunak’s D-Day Pledge: Railcard Price Cut and New Rights for Veterans in Election Bid

Rishi Sunak promises to reduce railcard costs in his appeal to veterans during D-Day commemoration

As events marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day are underway, both leading political parties are focusing their efforts on engaging veterans and the military community.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 9:

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Rishi Sunak has committed to reducing train ticket prices for veterans and to legally guarantee their rights as part of his campaign promises.

The Prime Minister has unveiled a series of initiatives designed to position the UK as the premier global destination for armed forces veterans.

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

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The Conservative Party is proposing to broaden the current national insurance discounts for employers who employ former military personnel, a plan they claim will encourage more firms to hire veterans.

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

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

Further Details on D-Day Commemoration

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

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"'The real heroes are those who never returned': Reflecting on D-Day veterans past and present"

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The government had previously unveiled plans for this bill in October, but the unexpected early general election caused a delay in its progress.

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 placed a high priority on ensuring the UK becomes the top global destination for veterans, by implementing a definitive strategy aimed at providing them with the necessary opportunities, aftercare, and support they need to lead successful, satisfying lives."

"The decision in the upcoming election is straightforward – support the Conservatives to secure a committed minister for veterans, legal guarantees of veterans' rights, and increased opportunities for veterans. On the other hand, the Labour Party lacks a concrete strategy and risks reversing progress to the starting point."

The two leading political parties have capitalized on this week's theme, focusing their appeals on veterans and members of the military community during the 80th anniversary celebrations of D-Day.

D-Day marks the anniversary of the Allied invasion that started on June 6, 1944, aiming to free northwest Europe from Nazi control.

On Wednesday, during the start of the commemorations, Sir Keir Starmer promised to introduce a bill for a new military ombudsman to advocate for service members and their families during the inaugural King's Speech, should Labour secure a victory in the upcoming election.

The party has also announced intentions to solidify the armed forces covenant into law, reinforcing the government's ongoing pledge to assist the military community with various programs.

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Sir Keir is working to alter views on Labour's defense policies, which were perceived differently under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, who was known for his critical stance on NATO and Trident.

Further Reading: Sunak plans to challenge Starmer on security issues, though defense topics seldom sway election outcomes. The King and Queen were visibly moved during honors celebrating the bravery of D-Day veterans.

In reaction to the recent announcement by the Conservatives regarding veterans, a spokesperson from the Labour Party remarked, "For 14 years, veterans have received numerous promises from the Conservatives, yet seen minimal follow-through."

Since 2010, the Conservative Party has not enacted any new Veterans Bills. Additionally, they have distributed veteran identification cards to merely 10% of those eligible, and during their tenure, there has been an increase in homelessness among veterans.

The Conservative Party's handling of veterans' issues has been disgracefully inadequate, and their proposals for the upcoming election suggest no improvements for veterans. It's time for a new direction with the Labour Party.

"We are committed to enhancing the daily experiences of our veterans through the full legal enactment of the Armed Forces Covenant. Additionally, we will safeguard and bolster the Office of Veterans' Affairs, and eliminate visa charges for non-UK veterans who have completed at least four years of service, along with their family members."

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