G4S is to donate £2.5m to the Armed Forces as a "goodwill gesture" amid reports the security firm has called in PWC to probe what went wrong after 18,200 military personnel were drafted in for London 2012 following a massive security blunder.

The private security firm was forced to apologise after failing to meet its £284m contract to provide 10,400 staff for the Games - but the cash works out at £137 per troop.


steve hawkes
G4S hires PWC to conduct review of its Olympics failure, on the very day a panel launches an investigation into failings at PWC !

It emerged just two weeks before the opening ceremony the company could not provide enough guards and military involvement was further stepped up the following week as ministers decided to "leave nothing to chance" in the wake of the scandal.

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In total, 18,000 personnel provided support at London 2012, including Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force staff, some of whom had their leave postponed.

One Labour MP has already said the cash is not enough, writing on twitter:


Diana Johnson
G4S should give much more than £2.5m to our armed forces. They should also show appreciation to police forces who stepped in.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the donation would "go some way" to recognising the burden placed on the armed forces by the security shambles.

He added: "The Armed Forces provided more to the security and protection of the Games than had originally been planned, but as always they have carried out their tasks with professionalism and good humour.

"This contribution from G4S is welcome news for the Service Welfare funds and will go some way to recognising the inconvenience and extra burden that this commitment has placed upon our forces and their families."

The £2.5m donation will go towards welfare amenities including sports equipment and to sports associations which have backed serving athletes, including rowing gold medallists Captain Heather Stanning and Lieutenant Pete Reed.

Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards said: "The Armed Forces are pleased to accept this donation from G4S. It recognises all the hard work and commitment Service personnel have displayed during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Together with G4S, the men and women of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force have delivered a safe and secure Olympics.

"It recognises all the hard work and commitment Service personnel have displayed during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

"I am glad that they are receiving the gratitude and recognition for the excellent work, not just from the public, but from those they are working alongside."

General Sir Nick Parker, Standing Joint Commander for Operation Olympics, added: "The day to day working with G4S has been exceptional and I would like to pay tribute to the G4S staff and volunteers. Working side by side I believe they are doing a very professional job in providing Olympic security."

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  • A general view of the Olympic Stadium at the Olympic Park on July 24, 2012 in London, England. The opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games will take place on July 27. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

  • A general view of the Orbit next to the Olympic Stadium during previews ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Park on July 26, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

  • The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force aerobatic team fly over the olympic park during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)

  • The Red Arrows fly over the Olympic Stadium ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the Olympic Park on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

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  • Fireworks go off over the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

  • Fireworks go off over the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

  • The Olympic flame burns in the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

  • General view as fireworks illuminate the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Pool/Getty Images)

  • General view as fireworks illuminate the sky during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

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