London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has confirmed that staff are not permitted to wear unauthorised political badges while on duty and has reminded its workforce of the policy after concerns were raised by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) about a member of staff wearing a Palestine Solidarity badge.

In a letter to UKLFI, LNER’s Managing Director, David Horne, said the company had acted promptly after receiving the complaint. The employee concerned was spoken to and reminded of the applicable uniform requirements, while a briefing was issued to colleagues across the business reiterating that unauthorised badges and other items must not be worn while on duty.

Mr Horne wrote:

“LNER takes the concerns raised seriously. Colleagues are required to comply with LNER’s uniform standards while on duty and when representing the company. Those standards do not permit colleagues to wear unauthorised badges or other items as part of their uniform.”

He added:

“Following LNER becoming aware of the matter, appropriate steps were taken promptly. The individual concerned was spoken to on 17 June 2026 and reminded of the applicable uniform requirements.”

LNER also confirmed that on the same day it issued a briefing to staff reminding them that unauthorised badges must not be worn while on duty and wrote to the Chair of the On Train Company Council, who confirmed that he was content with the company’s position.

The complaint followed a letter from UKLFI concerning an incident on an LNER train travelling from Edinburgh to London on 14 June 2026. A Jewish passenger reported that a member of staff serving passengers was wearing a Palestine Solidarity badge and said that the display of the political symbol made him feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

UKLFI argued that political symbols displayed by customer-facing staff can create an intimidating and hostile environment for Jewish, Israeli and Zionist passengers and asked LNER to clarify its policy on political badges.

Concluding his response, Mr Horne emphasised LNER’s expectation that staff remain politically neutral while representing the company:

“LNER expects colleagues to remain professional and neutral while representing the company. LNER considers that appropriate action has been taken to address the issue raised in your correspondence and to reinforce the relevant uniform requirements more broadly with frontline colleagues.”

Caroline Turner, director of UK Lawyers for Israel, said:

“We are pleased that LNER responded quickly and decisively. The company has made clear that political badges are not authorised as part of its uniform, has addressed the issue with the staff member concerned and has reminded colleagues across the organisation of the requirement to remain neutral while representing LNER.

Public transport providers serve passengers from every community. Jewish passengers should be able to travel without being confronted by political messaging from staff members whilst receiving services.”