Celebrities Back 'Keep Virgin Trains' e-petition as it Passes 45,000 Signature Mark

LONDON, August 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

High profile celebrities have given their backing to the independently-set up Government-run e-petition to force a debate in Parliament on the decision to strip Virgin Trains of the prestigious West Coast rail franchise.

Earlier today the number of signatures on the petition smashed through the 45,000 mark with key personalities from the world of entertainment, business and sport urging people to support the campaign, which was set up by a Virgin Trains' customer.

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."

Backing the campaign to get people to sign the e-petition are:

@Lord_Sugar: 50 reasons to support #VirginTrains Please sign e-petition urging Government to reconsider

@Gary_Lucy: Guys and gals please sign this to support virgin trains they got me to and from Holyoaks for three years

E-petition has just hit 26k in 3 working days & is biggest survey on DFT section! You guys are amazing! Retweeted by dick and dom

@Joey7Barton: @richardbranson has free wifi, quiet zones and always do a nice sandwich. I think @virgintrains have done a great job, why change?

@jamieoliver: Hi guys 50 reasons to support #VirginTrains Please sign e-petition urging Government to reconsider

@ronanofficial (Ronan Keating) #VirginTrains Please sign e-petition urging Government to reconsider

@eddieissard: I'm signing this e-petition. Government should reconsider. I think we should support it.

The e-petition can be accessed at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/37180