Tickets for troops scheme launched » Central Government » 24dash.com

A scheme to give British troops free entry to sporting events and gigs was launched today.

Conservative leader David Cameron teamed up with footballer Gary Lineker and Victoria Cross-holder Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry to launch Tickets for Troops at the O2 arena in London.

Under the deal, military personnel will be able to enter a ballot for free entry to football matches, cricket, the Olympics, concerts and other events.

Set up by the Tories, who announced the plans in July, the scheme was intended to offer a way for the country to thank military personnel for their service during the tough campaign in Afghanistan.

A range of football clubs, sports promoters and music venues, including Arsenal, Manchester United and the O2, have agreed to make complimentary tickets available.

The scheme will be run by a not-for-profit company, independently of the Conservative Party.

Servicemen and women, including veterans who have been medically discharged since 2001, will qualify for tickets.

A £1 donation is requested for each ticket and all proceeds will be donated to charities.

Mr Cameron said when a nation is at war people at home needed to show their appreciation of the armed forces.

He said: "I believe as a country at war we constantly need to think about what we can do to recognise, thank and celebrate what the armed forces do for us."

He argued that involved both the Government and through examples of "social responsibility" such as community homecoming parades for returning soldiers and businesses "putting conscience before profit".

He said: "That's precisely what Tickets for Troops is all about - businesses coming together to say to our armed forces 'thank you, we respect you, we recognise the sacrifice you are making for us'.

"Social responsibility goes to the heart of what I believe the Conservative Party should be about.

"It's about looking at the challenges we face as a country and asking not just what can the Government do but what can people do, what can society do?

"Tickets for Troops is a living, breathing expression of social responsibility's most normal ambition that together we can make a difference. "