'All G4S penalties to be activated' (From South Wales Argus)

'All G4S penalties to be activated'

12:29pm Wednesday 18th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

G4S chief executive Nick Buckles should not be forced to resign, the Sports Minister has said

The Government will activate "all penalty clauses" in G4S's contract to cut the bill for the taxpayer in light of chaotic security arrangements, the sports minister has said.

Hugh Robertson also signalled that the firm's £57 million management fee would be targeted. But Mr Robertson dismissed calls for G4S boss Nick Buckles to resign immediately, saying the Olympics needed "stability".

Asked at a press conference what money could be recouped from G4S, Mr Robertson said: "We are working through that at the moment. But all the penalty clauses that are in the contract will be activated."

He added: "What happens to Mr Buckles is a matter for others in a post-Games environment."

Asked whether Mr Buckles should resign, Mr Robertson told the press conference in Westminster: "The important thing is that we deliver a safe and secure Games, and G4S remain a key partner in that, so I want stability at that firm, and delivery.

"I don't want resignations causing chaos. What happens to Mr Buckles afterwards is a matter for others in the post-Games environment. What is crucial now is that he and his organisation concentrate absolutely on delivering a safe and secure Olympics. I have confidence in their ability to do so."

His comments came amid reports that a request may be made on Thursday for additional troops to plug any further gaps in security if G4S fails to deliver the necessary number of guards.

The Ministry of Defence said that contingency plans are in place to provide more troops if needed, but added that no request has yet been received.

But there were reports that a decision will be taken on Thursday on whether to put 2,000 personnel "on notice to move", which would mean that they would act as a reserve force throughout the Olympics period and would not be available for other tasks.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We have not asked the military to deploy any more military personnel beyond the 3,500 already agreed. We are constantly reviewing the extent of the G4S shortfall and if it becomes necessary to increase the size of the military contingent, then this is something we will consider."