The Royal Tournament, the military tattoo scrapped by Tony Blair, could be revived by Gordon Brown as part of a campaign to restore respect for the armed forces.

An official report published tomorrow will argue that a new version of the pageant, first held in 1880 but abandoned in 1999 as a cost-cutting measure, would promote public understanding of the military.

The report’s author, Quentin Davies, the Labour MP, said a 21st century Royal Tournament could be cost-effective and help highlight the professionalism of the three services.

The traditional summer tournament, said to be the world’s oldest tattoo, was famous for its massed military bands, equestrian displays and Royal Navy field gun competition.

However, in the final few years the Earls Court event was hit by disappointing ticket sales and difficulties in sparing the manpower.

The report, published tomorrow with a foreword by Brown, will also recommend: The creation of an armed forces day, which could become a public holiday. Encouraging troops to wear their uniforms while off duty. More resources for school cadet corps.

Davies said he had interviewed the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales in researching his report. “They have done wonderful things in helping rally public support,” he said. “They depoliticise the armed forces. You have to try and separate out the public’s view on particular missions and the armed forces who are doing a professional job and showing bravery.”

Davies added that a Ministry of Defence poll highlighted the public’s lack of understanding of the military.

“In principle there is great support for the armed forces and the vast majority say the armed forces are excellent or very good.

“When asked whether they understand them, you find you are down to about 40%. When you ask the same question about the NHS or the BBC you get a figure of about 60%.

“There’s big gap between favourability and familiarity.”

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