Army 'should be first choice' for security at major public events

MPs suggest that Britain's armed forces should be used to protect future major public events (PA)

Britain's armed forces, rather than private companies, should be used to protect future major public events in the wake of the G4S Olympic security fiasco, MPs suggest today.

In a report examining the failure of G4S to recruit and train enough security guards, the Home Affairs Select Committee concludes that the army should be considered as provider from the outset. The report also calls for G4S to give up its £57m management fee and pay people it trained but failed to use.

"Because of the actions of the MoD, Home Office and Locog, London enjoyed a safe and secure Games," said the committee's chair, Keith Vaz.

"In the planning of future major events, the military might more appropriately be considered first choice rather than a back-up."