12 Mar 2009

UK to liaise with international agencies for Olympics

7:44 am on 12 March 2009

Britain's House of Lords is recommeding that its government start working with international security agencies immediately to prepare for any attack on the 2012 London Olympics.

The upper chamber's European Union committee said it was surprised collaboration was not already under way between the government and groups that have provided support at previous Games.

The committee member Michael Jopling says it's becoming increasingly clear that the 2012 Olympics could be a prime target for terrorists.

He says it's vital every possible step is taken to ensure that other EU member states are fully prepared to assist the UK in the case of a potential attack.

The criticism comes two weeks after the UK government approved a much-delayed security strategy for the Olympic venues, events and infrastructure, which was criticised by opposition politicians for its lack of detail.