Hammond confirms Olympics troop surge

12 July 2012

The number of British military personnel, including reservists, set to take part in security operations at the 2012 Olympic Games has increased by 3,500 to 17,000 Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed.

The move comes amid concerns that contractor G4S may be unable to provide the full quota of security personnel for the event, and Hammond said it was "prudent" to call up extra personnel, all of whom would be guaranteed their full leave entitlement after the games.

Military personnel have already begun to deploy to venues to support security operations alongside the police, G4S staff and volunteers, the Defence Secretary said.

"Concerns have arisen about the ability of G4S to deliver the required number of guards for all the venues within the timescales available," Hammond told MPs. "Ministers have been monitoring this situation and, where necessary, preparing contingency measures. G4S has now agreed that it would be prudent to deploy additional military support to provide greater reassurance.

"The Home Secretary, Culture Secretary and I have therefore agreed the deployment of a further 3,500 military personnel," he said. "This will bring the total number of military personnel, from all three services and including reservists, contributing to the safety and security of the Games to 17,000.

"The chiefs of staff recognise the importance of the Olympic Games and support this deployment, confirming that this deployment is feasible and will have no adverse impact on other operations.

"Ministers across government recognise the burden that this additional short-notice deployment will impose upon individual service men and women and their families, especially over the summer holiday season," he said.

"We will ensure that all those taking part receive their full leave entitlement, even if it has to be rescheduled, that no one is out of pocket due to cancelled personal arrangements and that all deployed personnel are appropriately supported."