I had no reason to think I'd be linking my petition to LNER, but I am very grateful for the opportunity afforded me yesterday (28th April) to take my petition down the length of the delayed 13.00 service from KGX-EDB. I was inspired to do so after striking up a conversation with the two travellers next to me: one sitting beside me, the other opposite. They, together with my long walk through the train, helped pass the time of day in an interesting and unexpected way.

It was speaking to the neighbouring passengers that I had the idea to share my petition with others on the train, having recently printed out several petition flyers. After my initial nervousness at canvassing so brazenly, I was relieved and, at the same time, heartened by the responses I received: my 'captive audience' was interested, generally attentive and always polite when I gave my stumbling introductory spiel and requested them to scan the petition's QR code. 

So thank you to Beth and Clive, my immediate travelling companions, for your company, support and encouragement; thank you to all the other passengers on Sunday's 1pm Edinburgh-bound train for your time and interest; and thank you, LNER, for providing the platform (no pun intended!) to share my petition more widely.

Onwards we go - just like the train, which got us home eventually! I remain optimistic and determined to get the petition 'home' (ie reach 100k signatures) so that we can initiate a constructive debate in parliament around the UK honours system, and ultimately secure the change(s) we seek.