Theresa May refutes claims that Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary warned the government about G4S 10 months ago

The Home Secretary has rejected claims that HMIC raised concerns to her last year about G4S’ security preparations for the Olympic Games.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Theresa May said the claims, made in a national newspaper, were “untrue”- and that two reports from the inspectorate had not highlighted problems with the firm.

As previously reported, G4S was heavily criticised last week when it revealed that it could not deliver 3,500 security personnel as part of a 10,000 promise to the government.

The Daily Mail claimed on July 15 that HMIC raised concerns to the Home Office 10 months ago.

But speaking in the Commons on July 16 Mrs May said: “First, it was reported that ministers knew there would be a shortfall in security staff last year.

“This is untrue. HMIC reported – at my request – on LOCOG’s security preparations last September, and they recommended several measures.

“HMIC reported again in February and concluded that LOCOG had plans in place to deliver the required number of security personnel.

“Neither HMIC report identified specific problems with G4S scheduling.”

Mrs May said further allegations had been made concerning the Minister for Crime and Security James Brokenshire.

She said: “It was reported that the Minister for Crime and Security had attended meetings in which he was told there was a security staff shortage.

“In fact, G4S repeatedly assured us that they would overshoot their targets.

“As I told the House on Thursday (July 12), G4S only told the government that they would be unable to meet their contractual obligations last Wednesday – and we took immediate action.”