Article by the Mayor on free travel to injured war veterans

27 June 2008

Annex to news release 323, 27 June 2008

Today, Trafalgar Square will throng with thousands of Brits as the nation celebrates Veterans Day. In the shadow of Admiral Lord Nelson we’ll pay tribute to all those other heroes who have fought for freedom and for Britain. All across the country, the British people will show how truly grateful we are to those who serve on the frontline for us.

Since I became Mayor my huge respect for our armed forces has grown immensely. I’ve been lucky enough to meet many men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I’m always struck by the brave way they downplay the real danger they were in. “I was just doing my job”, they say, as though serving in Baghdad or Helmand Province is the same as working a nine to five.

The truth is that it is an extraordinary job they do. Some of them have fought harder and longer than any British soldiers since the Second World War. They’ve operated under extreme conditions, they’ve lost their comrades, and they’ve shown that when it comes to guts and gumption, Britain still leads the world.

When they come home they should be celebrated as heroes. For too long there seemed to be a national reluctance to thank those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The wars were unpopular and so it followed that our brave troops were made to feel unpopular too. This was a great injustice but now, thanks to the genuine gratitude of the British people and campaigns like the Sun’s Help for Heroes, we are setting things right.

I am passionately committed to supporting our troops, and as London’s Mayor I will do everything in my power to make our city fit for heroes. I start, today, by announcing that every single UK war veteran will be able to travel for free on London transport – on the tubes, buses, trams, DLR and London Overground. It’s a small thank you that I hope will make a big difference to veterans living in London, as well as to those who visit us.

I am hugely proud that this Remembrance day, heroes from all over the UK will be welcomed to London with the right to travel for free. Considering the sacrifices these men and women have made for us, it is the least we can do.

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