Deployed at the last minute - "No one will be out of pocket"

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed that an additional 3,500 service personnel will be deployed as part of the security arrangements for the Olympic Games. He said: "We will ensure that all those taking part receive their full leave entitlement, even if it has to be rescheduled, that no-one is out of pocket because of cancelled personal arrangements, and that all deployed personnel are supported...More information »

Again, No Secret Ballot for those Deployed

Concern has been raised again at the lack of voting provision for those deployed. With referendums and elections due on 5 May 11 there was an exchange in the House of Lords, Lord Rogan said: "We can send a probe millions of light years into deep space and receive back pictures of worlds previously not even contemplated, but somehow the ability to send ballot papers to serving personnel and receive them back before the polls close is one small step just too far for mankind - at least, of the British variety...More information »