According to Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, Britain might deploy surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) to safeguard London during the 2012 Olympics, shortly after the government dismissed claims regarding US security concerns.
Hammond informed MPs that “all necessary measures” would be implemented to ensure the protection of the London games, following reports of the United States planning to send 1000 agents to the event.
“I can assure you that all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of the London Olympic Games will be taken, including, should military advice indicate it is needed, appropriate ground-to-air defences,” Hammond stated.
This comment came in response to his predecessor, Liam Fox, who noted that SAMs had been used at Olympic games since Atlanta in 1996.
Previously, reports indicated that US officials had expressed “repeated concerns” about the security of the London Games, with plans to deploy 1000 agents, including 500 from the FBI.
A spokesman from the Home Office, or interior ministry, asserted that security planning was “on track” and emphasized that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had “full confidence” in the security blueprint.
In October, British officials refuted claims that the United States had proposed sending its own aircraft carrier to be stationed off the British coast during the Olympics.
by Buford Balony
