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| From Daily Mail |
On Thursday, during a short debate on G4S and the Olympics, I asked the following question to the Home Secretary:
Robert Halfon (Harlow): Will my right hon. Friend review the use of private companies at all for state events such as the Olympics?
Theresa May (Home Secretary; Maidenhead, Conservative)
Given the numbers necessary for venue security for the Olympics, it was entirely right of LOCOG to look at working with a private sector contractor as large as G4S, as I have said. It was entirely appropriate for LOCOG to do that. Frankly, it would not be right to say that we should not use private sector contractors for venue security—they are used in a number of such events very effectively. I remind my hon. Friend that G4S will provide venue security personnel for the Olympic games.
Sebastian Coe, now confirms that the Olympic security will be covered by military personnel. I have no problem with the army looking after the Olympics. Better fully trained military than semi-trained security guards.
Most fair-minded people have no objection with private companies contracted by Government for many areas of our public life. I am in favour of the private sector. But, when it comes to our macro-security, is it better that law and order is owned and run by the State?
by Robert Halfon MP - Working Hard for Harlow
Too Right Robert.
ReplyDeleteWe need to know who is looking after us and our country.
Not some firm looking for a quick buck (pound)
It all depends on what is defined as security,do we really want trained military checking tickets and passes ,inspecting personal clothing and possessions (they do not at airports)and crowd control inside the park and so on. Properly monitored contractors are surely appropriate.The Key is the proper evaluation of the capability of the contractor initially,then the monitoring. The warning signal surely was g4s employed total 45,000 people and in March 2011 it seems they were first expected to recruit, security check and fully train a 10,000 strong security team in 17 months. Then in December 2011 apparently this increased by another 7000 trained in remaining 7 months.
ReplyDeleteWhy were not the Olympic Organisers monitoring g4s and why were the Home Office not checking LOCOG (the Olympic organisers) and not heeding warning signals. Why did the Security Chiefs appear not to know the situation until now just a few weeks ahead. And where were our guardians the press .There are many more questions than the press media headlines suggest, and would the LOCOG /Home/MOD and military do better ????
....Friend and Neighbour.
I have no problem with armed forces being used to provide security for the Olympics, however, is it right that these brave men and women have had leave cancelled in some cases straight after tough tours of duty in Afghanistan? This is a totally unacceptable situation and one that should not happen.
ReplyDeleteTeresa May seems so pro G4S it makes one wonder what her ulterior motive is. G4S bidding for Police contracts now as well with Tom Winsor providing advice on how to secure the contracts. I have to wonder how independant Tom Winsor's report into policing was or were his terms of referance and the required results set out by Teresa May from the start.
It is now time after this latest fiasco for May to step down and everyone to realise what a fraud Winsor is.