600 mn pounds not enough for London Olympics security

LONDON - Organisers of the 2012 London Olympics feel that the 600 million pounds earmarked for security will be insufficient to provide a safe and secure Games.

The Daily Telegraph reported that to raise more money for security, there could be a reshuffle of other government security-related budgets.

This comes after Minister of State for Security Pauline Neville-Jones conducted a security review and the government is exacting savage cuts in its comprehensive review settlement.

The daily reported that Neville-Jones’ report will pinpoint the operational areas of the departments, such as the Metropolitan Police, London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, the Home Office and the Olympic Delivery Authority, and reallocate monies accordingly.

The Home Office is in control of policing and security during the Olympics.

“We are reviewing the security arrangements, including the budget, to ensure that the measures in place are the right ones. The safety of those participating, watching and visiting the Olympics is paramount,” a Home Office spokesperson was quoted as saying by the daily.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said that the Olympic security budget has to be protected.

“We have to understand how big it is going to be and protect front line policing,” he said.