Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Pawsey Excerpts

Monday 21st May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con)]

14. What recent assessment she has made of the preparedness of the police for the London 2012 Olympics.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (James Brokenshire)]

The Government and everyone involved are focused on delivering a safe, secure and successful games. We are confident about police preparations, which are at an advanced stage of readiness and are on track for the Olympic and Paralympic games.

[Mark Pawsey]

I thank the Minister for his reassuring words. To ensure a safe Olympics, it will be important for the police to work closely with other blue light services, such as the fire and ambulance services. What discussions have taken place on collaboration between all the emergency services?

[James Brokenshire]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question, and I know that as chair of the all-party group on emergency services he takes a keen interest in these issues—indeed, I understand that he recently arranged a visit to the Olympic park. I can assure him that the Home Secretary has chaired various cross-governmental meetings with ACPO, the fire service and the ambulance service to ensure that there is a strong and co-ordinated blue light response, enhancing our emergency services.