Britain may deploy surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) to protect London during the 2012 Olympics, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said, shortly after the government rejected reports of US security fears.
Hammond told MPs “all necessary measures” will be taken to protect the London games following reports that the United States was set to send 1000 of its agents to the sporting event.
“I can assure you that all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of the London Olympic Games London, will be taken, including, if the advice of the military is that it is required, appropriate ground-to-air defences,” Hammond said.
He was responding to a query by his predecessor, Liam Fox, who said SAMs had been deployed at Olympic games since Atlanta in 1996.
Earlier reports said US officials had raised “repeated concerns” about security at the London Games and were planning to deploy 1000 agents, including 500 from the FBI.
A spokesman for the Home Office, or interior ministry, insisted security planning was “on track” and that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had “full confidence” in the blueprint.
In October, British officials rejected reports that the United States had offered to send its own aircraft carrier to be stationed off the British coast during the Olympics.
by Buford Balony
