Olympics: one year to go
We are confident that the right plans are in place to deliver a safe 2012 Games, says security minister.
James Brokenshire has pledged to deliver a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games in a Youtube message to the public today.
Marking one year until the start of the 2012 London Games, the crime and security minister explained: ‘This is something that we want the country to enjoy. Our focus is on ensuring a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games for London and the UK as a whole.’
We’re ready
He explained that a programme of security exercises are taking place to test government, police and other agencies.
A range of scenarios that could impact on the smooth running of the Games will be looked at, such as long queues, transport disruption or a terrorist attack.
‘We’re confident that the plans are in place,’ explained the crime and security minister. ’We want to test them out, we want to make sure that they are going to operate in the way we anticipate so that when it comes to Games time we’re ready and know what to expect.’
Touts targeted
Plans have also been announced to increase the maximum penalty for people who tout Olympic and Paralympic tickets.
Selling tickets for the London 2012 Games without permission was made a criminal offence in 2006 with fines of up to £5,000.
But an amendment to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games Act 2006 will see that amount increase to £20,000.
Travelling to the UK
If you’re travelling to the UK for the Games, you may need a visa. Find out more on the UK Border Agency website.
