The ‘real legacy’ of London 2012
The Olympic Games could bring militarism and a reduction in civil liberties
The ‘real legacy’ of the London 2012 Olympics, according to groups campaigning on the ethics of the Games, could be militarism and a reduction in civil liberties.
The Peace Pledge Union (PPU) have expressed alarm about plans to station 7,500 armed forces personnel in the capital during the Games. They are expected to be joined by around 23,000 police officers and G4S security guards. Surface-to-air missiles will be positioned on six sites around London. Some will be in residential areas.
‘There is a vast security network set up in the name of the Games,’ said Kerry-Anne Mendoza of the campaign group Our Olympics. She told the Friend that the Olympics will see the UK ‘in lockdown’ and highlighted the restrictions on traffic routes and bans on non-sponsor products.
The courts last month gave an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) to activist Simon Moore, banning him from approaching any Olympic venue. He had joined an occupation of a green space that will become the site of an Olympic basketball facility.
The Ministry of Defence said that people in London have nothing to fear from the surface-to-air missiles. They added that none of the armed forces personnel will be patrolling the streets.
