I have just read this BBC news story about security measures around the Olympic Games. Take a look yourself and then read on.
The excitement levels in the police and the armed forces must be heightened at the moment. It would appear that the opportunity to display the country’s security consciousness just cannot be missed.
If I am honest, I have been largely bored by the Olympic build up so far; the over- zealous approach to protecting sponsors' rights is dull (although this article by Mark Ritson isn’t); the TV adverts of the sponsors are dull; branded merchandise is thrust at you everywhere; the sale of tickets was a complete fiasco; the motorway gantry signs are even broadcasting journey planning tips. So far the most engaging thing has been the TV series “Twenty Twelve”. It too was painfully farcical but at least it was meant to be.
I do feel some guilt though at my lack of patriotism, this is after all a historic event. I remain hopeful that when the actual sport starts, I’ll feel the enthusiasm that is currently lacking! Maybe Olympic fever will grip the nation and reverse the second slide into recession – now that would be an inspiring result.
Forgive my digression! Back to the subject of this post - military preparedness. It’s not just the athletes that are limbering up - the police and armed forces are getting their shares of the PR coverage this week.
Specialist marine units, warships and the funniest proposal of all - surface to air missiles mounted on London apartment blocks to counter the threat of terrorist attack by air.
It’s a fact that the current UK security threat level, as defined by MI5, is “Substantial”. Admittedly this sounds bad, but the threat level in recent times has been downgraded (as opposed to upgraded). You’d read the BBC article and think that the risk had gone up substantially enough to warrant a specific Olympic “multi-layered air defence plan”.
My imagination has been ‘fired up’. In my mind I can picture the opposing forces in Tower Hamlets - those who think missiles are the ideal roof top accessory versus those that don’t want missiles in their backyards. The long defunct Olympic event, the ‘tug of war’ could be staged to determine the winners.
Can you imagine a local authority planning meeting where rooftop armaments are on the agenda? Do you think planning permission would be granted, would there be any caveats? Not on listed buildings perhaps? Missiles shouldn’t look too phallic (unlike the Olympic mascot) for fear of upsetting the more sensitive locals? Missiles acceptable if in keeping with local design etiquette – materials and colourways important?
Picture a local government health and safety meeting with rockets on the agenda instead of closing down restaurants.
What about missile tourism – tours of missile installations for those that couldn’t get Olympic tickets.
Finally what about a sponsor – the official supplier of missiles to the Olympic Games.
Brilliant!
And on that bombshell (to borrow an expression from Mr. Clarkson)...
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The excitement levels in the police and the armed forces must be heightened at the moment. It would appear that the opportunity to display the country’s security consciousness just cannot be missed.
If I am honest, I have been largely bored by the Olympic build up so far; the over- zealous approach to protecting sponsors' rights is dull (although this article by Mark Ritson isn’t); the TV adverts of the sponsors are dull; branded merchandise is thrust at you everywhere; the sale of tickets was a complete fiasco; the motorway gantry signs are even broadcasting journey planning tips. So far the most engaging thing has been the TV series “Twenty Twelve”. It too was painfully farcical but at least it was meant to be.
I do feel some guilt though at my lack of patriotism, this is after all a historic event. I remain hopeful that when the actual sport starts, I’ll feel the enthusiasm that is currently lacking! Maybe Olympic fever will grip the nation and reverse the second slide into recession – now that would be an inspiring result.
Forgive my digression! Back to the subject of this post - military preparedness. It’s not just the athletes that are limbering up - the police and armed forces are getting their shares of the PR coverage this week.
Specialist marine units, warships and the funniest proposal of all - surface to air missiles mounted on London apartment blocks to counter the threat of terrorist attack by air.
It’s a fact that the current UK security threat level, as defined by MI5, is “Substantial”. Admittedly this sounds bad, but the threat level in recent times has been downgraded (as opposed to upgraded). You’d read the BBC article and think that the risk had gone up substantially enough to warrant a specific Olympic “multi-layered air defence plan”.
My imagination has been ‘fired up’. In my mind I can picture the opposing forces in Tower Hamlets - those who think missiles are the ideal roof top accessory versus those that don’t want missiles in their backyards. The long defunct Olympic event, the ‘tug of war’ could be staged to determine the winners.
Can you imagine a local authority planning meeting where rooftop armaments are on the agenda? Do you think planning permission would be granted, would there be any caveats? Not on listed buildings perhaps? Missiles shouldn’t look too phallic (unlike the Olympic mascot) for fear of upsetting the more sensitive locals? Missiles acceptable if in keeping with local design etiquette – materials and colourways important?
Picture a local government health and safety meeting with rockets on the agenda instead of closing down restaurants.
What about missile tourism – tours of missile installations for those that couldn’t get Olympic tickets.
Finally what about a sponsor – the official supplier of missiles to the Olympic Games.
Brilliant!
And on that bombshell (to borrow an expression from Mr. Clarkson)...
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