Tickets for Troops launched by Cameron
David Cameron and Gary Lineker launch Tickets for Troops in London
Tuesday, 03, Nov 2009 02:59
By Sarah Garrod.
A new scheme to give service personnel free tickets for major sports, theatre and musical events has been launched today in the capital.
Conservative party leader David Cameron was joined by Gary Lineker and Victoria Cross recipient Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry in announcing the start of Tickets for Troops.
The scheme aims to provide thousands of tickets to serving military personnel and to veterans who have been discharged through injury since 2001, at the cost of a £1 donation to service charities.
Although the scheme was thought up by Mr Cameron, who launched it at the O2 centre today, he was keen to stress Tickets for Troops would be a not-for-profit company, seeking charitable status, as well as being politically neutral.
Tickets will be available for troops at events including the X Factor, Manchester United, various theatres and even the Olympics. Patrons of the event include Sir Ian Botham, Dame Vera Lynn and Lawrence Dallaglio.
Speaking at today's launch, Mr Cameron said: "It is so rare in opposition that you actually achieve something.
"Today we are actually starting something that really matters. In a short space of time Tickets for Troops has gone from a good idea to great project to something that will actually make a difference to thousands of people in this country.
"When a nation is at war abroad a country needs to recognise that at home.
"It isn't just a government responsibility it is a social responsibility. They are fighting for us, so all of us should pay our part."
A member of the audience from the War Widows Association asked Mr Cameron whether the scheme could be extended to the children of soldiers whose fathers had been killed while on duty, and he said this was something they would look in to.
Former England striker Gary Lineker added: "As a country we seem to have suddenly gained a respect and pride in our armed forces, which in many ways, is long overdue. Tickets for Troops recognises these very special people for the extraordinary things they do every day of their lives."
Despite the focus trying to remain on the launch of the scheme, Mr Cameron faced questions over the Lisbon Treaty.
He said: "We wanted a referendum of this treaty; the British public wanted a referendum on this treaty, because it does change the nature of Europe and it's only fair that people be given a referendum.
"It looks like this treaty is no longer going to be a treaty but a European law."