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Sturgeon writes to Home Secretary on Olympic security
13/07/2012
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has today written to Home Secretary Theresa May, calling for reassurance on the security arrangements for the Olympic Games.
Eight Olympic football matches will be played at Hampden Park, Scotland’s National Stadium, with the first, the women’s USA v France game on 25 July.
Reports today have suggested that the private security firm G4S will not be able to recruit and vet enough staff in time for the Games and, in some instances, training may not be delivered to G4S staff until after the football has taken place in Glasgow.
Ms Sturgeon said:
“Having the Olympic football tournaments here in Scotland is an exciting chance for people across the country to get in to the spirit of the games, however the priority for the Scottish Government is to ensure that visiting teams and spectators alike are both safe and secure.
“It is particularly worrying to learn of suggestions that, in some instances, training may not be delivered to G4S staff until after the football has actually taken place in Glasgow.
“The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and his officials have been keeping in close contact with Strathclyde Police and Mr McAskill is confident in their ability to police the Games.
“Nevertheless we would be grateful for a firm and immediate assurances that any individual being employed at Hampden will be suitably qualified and trained.”
Related information:
Tickets are still available for sale for all matches. Kids pay their age and there will be family friendly activities in Glasgow for all to enjoy.
Tickets have already been made available to Scottish schools participating in the Get Set initiative through the Ticketshare scheme but just this week, this was extended, opening access to children through sport clubs, charities and youth projects.