UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has written to London North Eastern Railway (LNER) after receiving a complaint from a Jewish passenger who felt intimidated and unwelcome when served by a member of staff wearing a “Palestine Solidarity” badge.
The incident occurred on 14 June 2026 aboard an LNER service from Edinburgh to London. According to the passenger, a member of staff delivering food to passengers was wearing a badge featuring the slogan “Palestine Solidarity” and a Palestinian flag.
The passenger told UKLFI that the badge made him feel “uncomfortable and unwelcome” as a Jewish traveller. He explained that, given the hostility and antisemitic rhetoric that has frequently accompanied anti-Israel activism, he felt uneasy interacting with the staff member and chose not to order food because of concerns about how he might be treated.
In a letter to LNER Managing Director David Horne, UKLFI argued that allowing staff to display political symbols while representing the company risks creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for Jewish, Israeli and Zionist passengers.
UKLFI pointed out that Palestinian flags and Palestine solidarity slogans are commonly displayed at anti-Israel demonstrations and marches. While individuals are entitled to their political views, passengers should be able to travel without being confronted by political messaging from staff members acting in an official capacity.
The letter raises concerns under the Equality Act 2010, noting that service providers must not subject customers to harassment related to protected characteristics, including religion and race.
UKLFI has asked LNER to clarify its policies regarding political badges and slogans worn by employees while on duty and to remind staff not to wear political symbols while serving passengers.
A spokesperson for UKLFI, said:
“Passengers should be able to use public transport without feeling intimidated or unwelcome because of political messages displayed by staff. Employees representing a public transport provider should remain politically neutral while serving the public.”