Sharon took the opportunity of a debate on the Second Reading of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill to draw parallels with it's desire to tackle ticket touting and her own campaign to stop touting at other sporting and cultural events.

The unofficial resale of tickets for the 2012 Games is illegal under the London Olympic and Paralympic Games Act 2006, and this Bill seeks to increase the maximum fine for those convicted of doing so from £5,000 to £20,000.

Sharon was keen to make the point that in trying to make this change, the Government were acknowledging that touts were a serious threat to the enjoyment of the Games for ordinary fans and visitors to London, and that for the professional (and in some cases, criminal) networks were able to make so much money that £5,000 was not an adequate deterrent.

As the Bill passed Second Reading unapposed, it will now go to Committee for further scrutiny. Sharon has been selected to serve on that Committee, which will meet four times in the week beginning 16 May.

Sharon's speech can be read here, or viewed here.

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