Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has criticised the Secretary of State for refusing to let young people use their railcards during the Great British Rail Sale – a decision he says is “outrageous” and yet another example of this Government failing young people.
Speaking in Parliament, Tom welcomed the rail sale as a way to make train travel more affordable but blasted the decision to block railcard holders from using their discount on sale tickets. Railcards exist to help young people save money, recognising that many are studying or in lower-paid jobs. Excluding them from extra savings completely undermines the purpose of railcards and leaves young people no better off.
When Tom challenged the Secretary of State to fix this unfair policy, her response was dismissive. She refused to engage with the issue and offered no commitment to lift the exemption, sending a clear message that young people’s concerns don’t matter to this Labour Government.
Tom vowed to keep fighting for young people who, he says, have been “clobbered endlessly by this Government” and deserve real support, not more barriers.
Tom Gordon said:
It is absolutely outrageous that this Government has blocked young people from using their railcards during the Great British Rail Sale.
The whole point of railcards is to help young people save money because they need more support – whether they’re studying or on lower wages. Excluding them from this sale completely defeats that purpose and shows just how out of touch this Government is.
When I asked the Secretary of State to justify this decision, she couldn’t. Young people deserve better than being ignored yet again. The Government needs to stop making excuses and start standing up for those who need help the most.
