Miliband call over G4S contracts

G4S have failed to provide the promised levels of security staffing

19 July 2012

Ed Miliband has called for G4S to be blocked from getting new Government contracts in the wake of the Olympics security shambles.

The Labour leader said no more deals should be signed until a review had been carried out to ensure the firm was fit to provide services.

He also accused the coalition of opening the door to private companies carrying out core police roles.

"People want bobbies on the beat, not G4S," he said. "We need to be much clearer about what private companies should and should not do."

The comments came as Mr Miliband launched Labour's campaign for Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections in central London.

He insisted it "beggared belief" that G4S was trying to cling on to a £57 million management fee for Olympics security.

But he refused to call for the immediate resignation of chief executive Nick Buckles, suggesting the Games needed stability.

"Clearly the company will have serious questions to answer about new leadership (after) the Olympic Games," Mr Miliband said.

Meanwhile, military personnel working on security for the Olympics will be able to travel free in London during the Games.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said all military personnel in uniform would not be charged on services operated by Transport for London (TfL) including the Tube and buses. This concession will last from Saturday to September 11.