Friday 14 September at 7.40pm

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General Sir Mike Jackson

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The former head of the British Army General Sir Mike Jackson is known for his tough talking and uncompromising style. He gave more than a hint of his pent-up frustrations when he delivered a blistering attack on the Government in a Dimbleby lecture, accusing it of failing to meet the most basic needs of the country's soldiers who were risking their lives fighting unpopular wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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British generals appear to getting the taste for speaking the truth in public, a refreshing antidote to most leading politicians. His autobiography, recently published, pulls few punches and gives a soldier’s commentary on recent conflicts – both military and political.  

His stinging comments about what he described as the Government's strategic failings and that "inadequate" funding is putting troops at risk are well documented.

 He held little regard for political finesse and once recalled a conversation with Labour's former top spin doctor.

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 Sir Mike said: "I first met Alastair Campbell in Macedonia when he delivered the message that, in talking to the press, I'd been 'off-message'. I told him to go and 'blank blank' somewhere else."

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Tickets: £21

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