London Olympic Games Security To Cost Billions

Anti-terrorism measures will push the cost of Games security to an estimated £1.5 billion – nearly three times the original estimate – according to insiders.

The claim comes amid continued delays over a comprehensive security plan being devised by the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police.

Extra measures to protect athletes and spectators from an attack include drafting in the Army. Military helicopters will patrol overhead and jets will be on stand-by to protect a no-fly zone over the Olympic stadium in Stratford.

The Ministry of Defence would charge the Olympic authorities for such a deployment. The security operation is expected to be the largest in peacetime Britain with the two-week event classed as a major terrorist target. However detailed planning for policing and security is in its early stages.

Games chiefs are juggling security with the desire to stage a more open and accessible Games than in Beijing where large parts of the city were off limits to citizens.

Concern over Games security were raised at an Olympic fringe meeting of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham yesterday.