G4S Olympics scandal: How Nick Buckles attempted to defend the indefensible

Published on 18/07/2012 00:00

NICK Buckles attempted to draw a line under the criticism of G4S by apologising to MPs, but refused to give up a £57 million management fee.

His words will now be pored over by critics and politicians trying to get to the bottom of the fiasco.

Mr Buckles on whether the situation amounted to a “humiliating shambles”: “At the moment, I would have to agree with you.”

Summing up the nub of the problem: “We just don’t have the staff. That shortage is going to manifest itself from today to the Games.”

On why, despite the current shortfall, some job applicants applied and then heard nothing for six months: “Keeping track all the way through has clearly been a challenge.”

On current expectations: “We’re still confident, together with the military and the police, that we can deliver a safe and secure Olympics.”

On refusing to waive the £57m management fee: “We’ve managed the contract and we’ve had management on the ground for two years. We still expect to deliver a significant number of staff.”