Missiles Could Be Used To Protect Olympics
15/11/2011
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond states that surface-to-air missiles could be used to protect the skies at London 2012 Olympics.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said on Monday surface-to-air missiles could be used to protect the skies over London during the Olympics.
He insisted that "all necessary measures" will be taken to ensure security. Mr Hammond told the Commons "appropriate ground to air defences" could be in place if that was recommended by the military.
The statement came as Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, the officer in charge of policing at the London 2012 Games, said he "did not recognise" suggestions the US is to send 1,000 agents, including 500 FBI, because security will be inadequate.
Former defence secretary Liam Fox, who raised the issue of Olympics security with his successor, stated that surface-to-air missiles had been used at Olympic Games since Atlanta in 1996.
He also said "Since the Atlanta Games there has been an internationally accepted minimal level of protection for the Olympics."
He asked Mr Hammond to confirm there would be a high level of multi-layered defences and deterrence for the London Games, including ground-to-air based missiles in London.
The national Olympic security co-ordinator, Mr Allison also denied that top-level security talks are suffering from resistance and political interfering from the US.
He told BBC News 24 "I feel great support from the Americans."
He also stated that: "The Games will be delivered by the British police service working with the event organisers LOCOG (London 2012 organisers).
"We will have some support from other colleagues up and down the country but it is the British police who will be doing it."