Mayor Boris Johnson today visited members of the British Armed Forces redeployed to London 2012 security duties to thank them for helping to deliver a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Some of the military personnel working with G4S security teams to protect venues and ensure the safety of athletes, spectators and Games officials, are accommodated at Tobacco Dock in Wapping, East London. The former Grade 1 listed tobacco warehouse now accommodates more than 2,000 personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "I cannot thank our Armed Forces enough for bringing their world-renowned skills and experience to the London 2012 Games. Everywhere I've gone at the Olympic venues I've met committed, dedicated servicemen and women who are unfailingly polite and unflinchingly professional. They are doing a sterling job working with their G4S colleagues and it’s clear that the public and visitors to our great city are delighted to have them on board.”
Following a pledge from the Mayor, all military personnel travelling in London for the duration of the Games and Paralympic Games, whether in uniform or not, have been granted free travel on all services operated by Transport for London, including the Tube and buses. The concession will last until September 11.
Notes to editors
Personnel started deploying to Tobacco Dock earlier this month with the remaining Service personnel being accommodated in buildings on military bases, TA Centres and in specially procured temporary accommodation in Hainault, Essex.
Please note this media visit was pooled. For broadcast footage please contact Brendan McGowan at ITV London/ [email protected] . For stills please contact PA Pictures/ [email protected]
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