Celebrities including Jamie Oliver and Lord Sugar have come out in support of Virgin Trains, urging the Government to reconsider Virgin Trains bid for the West Coast franchise.
The e-petition is now 30,000 signatures away from being considered for debate in the House of Common
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson said: “This is a great boost for everyone at Virgin Trains to see the level of support for us and the frustration at the Government’s decision.
“It is clear customers want the decision reconsidered and Parliament should have the opportunity to debate this before any contract is signed, which is planned for August 28.”
Last week, Virgin Trains was stripped of its only franchise after the Government accepted a £5.5 billion bid from the UK’s largest rail operator FirstGroup.
Other celebrity supporters have included footballer Joey Barton, singer Ronan Keeting and comedian Eddie Issard.
