London 2012 Olympics: 1,200 extra troops to be deployed - Metro.co.uk
The decision to deploy the troops, who had previously been put on standby, was made following a meeting of ministers at the Cabinet Committee for the Olympics chaired by prime minister David Cameron.
Earlier this month 3,500 UK troops were drafted in to fulfil key security responsibilities after G4S admitted it had not employed enough staff.
Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt said the additional troops showed the government was leaving 'nothing to chance'.
'Security staffing levels at venues have been kept under constant review,' he said.
'G4S numbers continue to rise significantly and we have every expectation that will continue to be the case.'
Mr Hunt added: 'However, ministers decided that we should deploy the additional 1,200 troops that were put on standby last week.
'On the eve of the largest peacetime event ever staged in this country, ministers are clear that we should leave nothing to chance.
'The government continues to have every confidence that we will deliver a safe and secure Games.'
Locog chief executive Paul Deighton said the deployment should not be seen as a further indictment of G4S.
'The reason that this decision has been taken is just to absolutely de-risk any aspect of the operation,' he explained.
'We now have the full military deployment to deliver these Games in just about any scenario, so I'm confident about that.'
London ready to fight off Olympic hack attacks - Reuters UK
LONDON |
LONDON (Reuters) - Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, the fastest men in the world, storm over the line together in the 100-metres final of the London Olympics - a photo finish.
As they eagerly look up for the result, a political message from a rogue hacking group fills the screen as the world looks on in disbelief.
While unlikely, the task of ensuring the unthinkable does not happen falls to the Games' IT services provider Atos.
Analysts say infiltrating the scoring and timing systems at one of the 35 competition venues around Britain, especially the Olympic stadium in east London, is a target for hackers looking to spread political messages, known as 'hacktivists', and criminal gangs looking to cash in on the Games.
"The digital systems recording scores and timings are susceptible to attack and will be targeted by hacktivists wanting to make a statement and by organised crime groups looking to profit from betting on events," said a former government cyber security boss who wished to remain nameless.
"Can you imagine the furore if the 100-metres final is a photo finish and they can't access the photo and no one knows when the clock stopped."
At the 2008 Beijing Games, around 12 million potential cyber attacks - varying in type and potency - were successfully defended each day but over the last four years the scams and cyber campaigns perpetrated by hackers have grown in scale and complexity.
Paris-based Atos, the lead technology company for the Olympics since 2002, expects up to 14 million possible attacks every day during the London games.
Marc Maiffret, chief technology officer of eEye Digital Security and a former hacker who was raided by the FBI when he was 17, said the Olympics was a prime target.
"I think this year even more so, given what's been happening recently in the hacktivist and related community," he said.
Hacktivists mount attacks to highlight political or social causes, and analysts say they are seen as more likely to target the Games than state-backed hackers.
"Hacktivist groups like LulzSec and Anonymous will want to go after the Olympics to make a point because it would give them an immediate worldwide audience for their social and political messages," said a cyber security consultant for the Games who did not want to be named.
"States involved in such attacks would not want to get caught targeting the Olympics as they could be banned and disgraced."
'ETHICAL HACKERS'
Atos, which expects to handle about two million pieces of key data throughout the event - a third more than at Beijing - has carried out more than 200,000 hours of testing, including simulating cyber attacks from so-called 'ethical hackers' invited to join the tests.
The company, which is responsible for some 11,500 computers and servers across Britain, will monitor possible cyber threats second by second from its Olympic Technology Operations Centre in east London's Canary Wharf business district.
It is protecting the systems that will deliver results to scoreboards at Olympic venues, event timetables to athletes, and Olympic accreditation information to UK border officials.
"It would be quite complicated to get into this network without being detected," said Atos' executive vice president Patrick Adiba. "I can never be 100 percent, but it is close to 100 percent."
If the main Olympic systems prove to be impregnable hackers could instead target transport infrastructure, financial operations or its top corporate sponsors.
Visa, for example, is the Olympics' only approved credit supplier and has a monopoly on all of the cash dispensing machines around the Olympic sites.
"Take down the Visa network and no one is buying or selling anything. The potential for damage and loss of revenue is vast," the cyber consultant said.
Maiffret said companies needed to plan for any cyber attacks that get through the defences.
"When you try to respond to a hack after the fact, and you are trying to create your plan as it's happening, that can be disastrous," he said.
Organisers are also wary of the threat from powerful computer viruses, such as 'Flame' and 'Shady RAT'.
Flame, which is capable of espionage and sabotaging computer systems, was likely used to attack Iran in April, while Shady RAT - a virus that persistently attacks computers and individual users - targeted the International Olympic Committee and four Olympic bodies in recent years.
Earlier this year MI5 chief Jonathan Evans said cyber attacks against the British government and businesses had reached "astonishing levels" and that the London Games would be an "attractive target" for cyber criminals.
Britain's minister responsible for cyber terrorism, Francis Maude, warned in May that the Olympics would "not be immune to cyber-attacks", given the hundreds of hotels, training centres and related facilities being used by athletes, coaches, Games officials and dignitaries during the Games.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games'(LOCOG) will hope the $750 million (482 million pounds) it has spent on technology is enough to protect the Games.
(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
(This story has been refiled to correct mis-spelled word in the second paragraph)
London 2012 Opening Ceremony: Audience at Rehearsal Asked to Keep Secrets Safe - ibtimes.co.uk
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It is understood the stadium has been transformed into an idyllic British rural scene, with traditional countryside cottages. However, the main content of the three-hour extravaganza is still a mystery to the world. In any case, there is not much longer to go now and the packed stadium of more than 60,000 supporters, 16,000 athletes and a global audience that could number in the billions have only to wait till Friday, 26 July, 9 pm BST.
Wireless Signal Failures Cause Security Delays
Meanwhile, a large number of people working in and around the stadium for the forthcoming Games faced lengthy transportation delays on Monday. Security guards from G4S, as well as volunteers and other Games staff, were all affected by mobile signal failures and door malfunctions on some of the city's over-ground and underground train services. The over-ground service between Richmond and Stratford was one such affected route, while tube services on the Jubilee Line and Docklands Light Railway also suffered problems.
"I can't believe they couldn't find out what was happening. We're just sitting here waiting for trains that turn up and then drive off without even opening their doors. It's ridiculous," the Evening Standard quoted an Olympic security worker as saying.
Passengers using the Highbury & Islington station were informed by staff over a loudspeaker: "There are long delays and last-minute cancellations on the Stratford to Richmond route. We are trying to get some concrete information from the Overground control room, but so far we have been unsuccessful."
It is believed commuters could not receive the latest information because the control room could not be contacted. Transport chiefs are expected to investigate the matter and with the Games due to get underway on Friday, everybody will be hoping there will not be a repeat of this incident.
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London 2012: Sir Chris Hoy to carry flag for Team GB - BBC News
Sir Chris Hoy has been chosen to carry the flag for Great Britain at the opening ceremony of the London Games on Friday.
The four-time Olympic gold medal winner polled the most number of votes among the 542 members of the British team.
The 36-year-old cyclist also carried the Union Flag at the 2008 closing ceremony in Beijing.
"I'm absolutely delighted and honoured to have been voted as the flag bearer for Team GB," said Sir Chris.
"To lead out your team at a home Olympics is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that that I can't wait to experience in just a few days time."
Other Olympians who received support included archer Alison Williamson, who will compete in her sixth Games.
Hoy, who will compete in the team sprint and keirin at London 2012, is the first cyclist to have the honour of carrying the British flag at an opening ceremony.
The Scot will lead out Team GB when they become the last of the 204 competing nations to enter the arena.
Analysis
Sir Chris Hoy was always one of the outstanding candidates for this role. His election was all but sealed when sailor Ben Ainslie, his main rival, was ruled out. Ainslie begins competing on Sunday, so will not attend the opening ceremony.
Sir Chris already has four Olympic gold medals and hopes to have increased that total to six by the end of the Games.
Hoy told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I'm still in shock, it's all sinking in. I'm just looking forward to Friday.
"To have the athletes vote for you it makes it even more special. This will be my first experience of an opening ceremony so for a number of reasons it will be very special."
It has been a remarkable few days for British cycling following the success of Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France.
Brian Cookson, president of British Cycling, told BBC Sport: "Just when you think it can't get any better it does. It is the cherry on the cake for British Cycling after Bradley Wiggins's success on Sunday.
"Sir Chris is a brilliant athlete and a fantastic ambassador for the sport of cycling. Hoy is reaching his potential just at the right time in the sport and deserves this pivotal role at London 2012."
Hoy, who is Scotland's most successful Olympian, was named BBC Sports Personality of the year in 2008.
He won a silver medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, a gold at Athens in 2004 and another three golds in Beijing four years ago.
Team GB's Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: "Team GB could not have placed the flag in better hands.
"It is a great honour for Sir Chris and the team will be proud to march behind him. He is a fantastic ambassador for his sport and his country."
Hoy is not due to compete until the second week of the Games, when he will try to surpass rower Sir Steve Redgrave's British record of five gold medals.
The British Olympic Association asked each sport represented in Team GB to nominate one candidate. The team leaders of each sport then voted on the shortlist.
London shares extend losses - Financial Times
Last updated: July 24, 2012 4:49 pm
Toyota Claims Lowest Whole Life Costs For Prius Plug-in - Honest John
Toyota today claims that its new Prius Plug-in offers lower whole life costs than the Vauxhall Ampera and Peugeot 408 Hybrid4.
In addition to this, Toyota asserts a £4,017 advantage in specification and price under the Vauxhall Ampera.
Toyota states there is no other car on the UK market that exactly matches the benefits offered by its Prius Plug-in Hybrid Synergy Drive full hybrid powertrain: it offers the near-silent, zero emissions performance of an electric vehicle, being able to run on its lithium-ion battery for around 15.5 miles (v/s 30 miles for the Ampera) and at speeds up to 51mph. When battery charge runs low, the car’s full hybrid system – which includes a highly efficient 1.8-litre petrol engine – takes over, so the driver doesn’t have to worry about whether the car has enough power to reach its destination.
Compared to the Ampera, which uses a petrol engine as a “range extender” to support the electric motor, Prius Plug-in offers a higher specification, more seats on board and can save almost £2,000 on costs over three years/60,000 miles with its greater range and quicker battery charging time.
- Data calculation by Kwikcarcost
Independent car data specialist Kwikcarcost also rates Prius Plug-in a stronger proposition for company car drivers in terms of cost-per-mile, compared to the Peugeot 508 Hybrid4 saloon and Vauxhall Ampera. The Toyota Prius Plug-in comes in at 60.45p, compared to 69.12p and 63.55p for the Peugeot and Vauxhall respectively. In the course of a year – an average 20,000 miles – this will see theToyotacosting £700 less to run than the Vauxhall and more than £1,700 less than the hybrid 508.
For company car drivers Prius Plug-in attracts a 5 per cent benefit-in-kind tax rating for the first three years, rising to 13 per cent in year four. For fleet operators it benefits from a 100 per cent write-down allowance in the first year. And for all owners, the 49g/km CO2 figure means there is no annual road tax (VED) bill to pay, plus exemption from theLondon congestion charge.
More at Toyota
Great Portland underlines London’s resilience - Financial Times
July 24, 2012 7:57 pm
Amy Hofmeister death: Joyriding drivers Leanne Burnell and Leonard Jones are jailed - Daily Mail
- Leonard Jones and Leanne Burnell averaged speeds of 65mph during chase through Taunton, Somerset
- Teenager Amy Hofmeister died after being hit when Jones lost control and overturned his Vauxhall Vectra
- Moments earlier he had overtaken Burnell during 4.6-mile joyride at twice speed limit
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Two joyriders whose 'cat and mouse' car chase at twice the speed limit caused the death of a young schoolgirl have both been jailed.
Leanne Burnell, 21, and her 42-year-old boyfriend Leonard Jones were speeding through Taunton, Somerset, at an average speed of 65mph when Jones lost control and overturned his Vauxhall Vectra, killing 13-year-old Amy Hofmeister.
Jones had moments earlier overtaken Burnell's Ford Focus during a 4.6 mile death race where terrified bystanders said he approached speeds of 81mph.
Joyriders: Leonard Jones, 42, and then girlfriend Leanne Burnell, 21, were speeding at an average 65mph in a 30mph Taunton road when Jones collided with teenager Amy Hofmeister
Schoolgirl Amy was killed and her friend Lucy Hawkins badly hurt in the impact which happened as they were cycling along Blackbrook Way in Taunton in June last year.
A court heard Burnell was 'egging on' Jones when the pair were seen tearing through Taunton at average speeds of 65mph.
Jones - who crash specialists calculated reached a top speed of 81mph - was heard telling a front seat passenger, 'I'll catch her, I'll catch her', as he raced after Burnell.
Jones was jailed for seven years for causing death by dangerous driving and two years concurrent for having no insurance and a licence. He was also banned from driving for seven years.
Burnell was jailed for 18 months for causing death by dangerous driving and banned from driving for two years.
She had originally denied causing death by dangerous driving, but was convicted following a four-day trial at Taunton Crown Court.
Tragic: Amy Hofmeister died after being struck by the Vauxhall Vectra of Leonard Jones in June last year
Prosecutor William Hunter told the court the pair 'used their cars as toys and the roads as a playground' in the lead-up to the deadly collision.
He said: 'She was effectively encouraging Leonard Jones to drive dangerously by egging him on smiling and smirking at him.'
Lucy Hawkins told the jury: 'There was a huge impact and I just remember coming to rest in the hedge. I looked over and saw Amy on her back in the hedge with her bike next to her.
'She was completely still and wasn't moving at all. I screamed at her and got no response.'
The chase began when Burnell sped off from a pub where she had been drinking with Jones and pals - witnesses said each had had a pint of cider.
The jury was showns CCTV footage showing Jones chasing the speeding Burnell through the town and as she turned down a no car bus lane.
Burnell was in front and Jones caught her up and overtook at 80mph - as his passenger Larry Grant told him to slow down.
Police crash specialists calculated Burnell s average speed to be 65mph while Jones was doing nearly 81mph.
Giving evidence Burnell claimed she was only doing 20-25mph and that her car was chugging as it was low on fuel and could not do more than 30mph.
She told the jury: 'His car rolled, I panicked, I was in shock.'
Sentencing them at the same court yesterday, Judge Graham Hume Jones blamed Jones for the tragedy as he jailed him for seven years and Burnell for 18 months.
He said: 'However it was not Miss Burnell that caused Mr Jones to overtake in these circumstances.
'I consider that Miss Burnell was trying to get home first and Mr Jones decided he was trying to beat her.
Amy's mother Jane Hofmeister condemned the prison terms and said she had 'not received justice'.
Mrs Hofmeister, who blames Burnell for the chase and is considering appealing to get her a longer sentence, said: 'I said right from the offset I wanted justice for Amy; justice for my daughter; she was killed and taken from me.
'I don t believe I have received justice today. So the fight will continue.
'As far as I am concerned I am going to do everything in my power to take this forward.
'Eighteen months - I don t understand. Eighteen months is five months more than it has taken to get this case to court in the first place.
'My life sentence started on June 15, 2011 at 7.30pm. I have no reduction in that. Neither does my son Benjamin or my family.'
Chief Supt Daimon Tilley, District Police Commander for Somerset, said: 'This was an unnecessary death. Amy should not have lost her life because she wore a helmet and she did everything right.'
Can't wait to the Borelympics to start!
Is anyone still swallowing this spiel about the failings of G4S?
I have no doubt that the company has screwed up monumentally but really? 5000 armed officers and men to replace a bunch of third-rate night watchmen?
This about the terror1st threat and G4S' ineptitude has given us a "Get out of jail free card".
Are we really such blind sheeple?