Key facts
- LNER has banned staff from wearing Palestine solidarity badges while on duty.
- The ban followed a complaint from UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) after a passenger felt uncomfortable.
- UKLFI cited the Equality Act 2010, arguing political symbols can create a hostile environment.
- LNER's uniform policy permits only company-issued, campaign-aligned, or standard union logo badges.
- The employee wearing the badge was spoken to, and staff received a briefing on uniform standards.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER), a UK train operator, has banned its staff from wearing badges supporting Palestine while on duty. The decision came after UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) sent a legal letter to the company following a complaint from a passenger who felt uncomfortable on a train journey. The passenger, who is Jewish, reported that a staff member was wearing a "Palestine Solidarity" badge designed for RMT trade union members.
UKLFI argued that such political symbols worn by customer-facing staff could create an "intimidating, hostile or offensive environment" for Jewish, Israeli, and Zionist passengers, citing the Equality Act 2010. LNER confirmed its uniform policy restricts staff to wearing only LNER-issued, campaign-aligned, or standard union logo badges on their lapels.
LNER managing director David Horne stated that employees must comply with uniform standards and that unauthorized badges are not permitted. The employee involved was spoken to on June 17, and a briefing was issued to all staff reiterating the policy. Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI, welcomed LNER's "quick and decisive" response, emphasizing that public transport providers serve all communities and Jewish passengers should travel without confronting political messaging from staff.