SYDNEY, Sept 29: Organisers of the London 2012 Games will spend “whatever it takes” on security for the global event, British Olympic Association chairman Lord Colin Moynihan said on Monday.

Meeting here with Australian Olympic officials, Moynihan said the security budget would be far greater that initial estimates, but “that is a price you absolutely have to pay” to ensure a safe and successful Games.

“The safety of the athletes and everybody is paramount. Whatever it takes must be spent in order to secure their safety,” Moynihan told reporters. “That is critical.”

British media reports say the security budget is likely to blow out to 1.5 billion pounds (2.7 billion dollars), three times the original estimate.

The initial total budget for 2012 has already leaped from 3.4 billion pounds to 9.3 billion pounds.

Moynihan further said that the budget would be discussed at this week’s board meeting of organisers in London.

He said any extra funds poured into security would not jeopardise other areas of the Games.—AFP