Cornwall G7: Police reveal safety measures in largest security operation ever

Devon and Cornwall Police has sought to reassure residents it's ready for the challenge of the G7.

A major operation is underway to plan the policing and security response to the G7 summit in Cornwall this year.

At the weekend Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that world leaders from the G7 nations, plus invited leaders from Australia, India and South Korea, will gather at Carbis Bay, St Ives, between 11th and 13th June.

While G7 2021 is hosted and led by UK Government, responsibility for security and policing has been delegated to Devon and Cornwall's Chief Constable.

The Force is working closely with the Government and partner agencies on in-depth plans and preparations to deliver a safe and secure event for everyone while maintaining existing local policing services.

The policing operation is largely focused on potential security threats and the level of police resources, but also aims to reduce the impact on local residents, businesses and visitors, particularly in the key locations of St Ives, Falmouth and Newquay.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew, who is leading the policing operation, said the summit presents a significant challenge for the Force but also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the policing excellence of Devon and Cornwall to the world.

He said:

"The G7 Summit announcement is tremendous news for our region.

"We are honoured to have been trusted with the responsibility for policing the event and are excited to play our part in this historic opportunity for Cornwall.

"It will be the biggest security operation we have undertaken as a police force and we do not underestimate the sizeable logistical challenge it presents.

"However, we have a proud history of policing major public events, such as the Olympic Torch relay in 2012, and have proved our capability as a world-class police force with the required expertise and resources.

"I want to assure the public that we can meet this complex policing challenge, and planning is well underway. We have been preparing for this for months and speaking with other police forces who have led policing operations for events of similar scale and national importance.

"We have robust policing plans in place to protect the international delegates and the local community."

A considerable number of specialist and public order trained officers will be drafted in from other UK police forces to support Devon and Cornwall Police for the operation.

"This will not only provide capacity and resilience for us to police the event but will help us to meet our promise of maintaining our day-to-day standard of policing and services to our local communities," said ACC Mayhew.

"There is no doubt that this major international event will bring a level of disruption to residents, businesses and visitors in the run-up to and for the duration of the summit but we will do our very best to minimise this. The public will see a substantial police and security presence but should feel reassured and not alarmed by this.

"The public can be assured that any public order or criminal offences will be dealt with robustly and adequate call handling and custody provision is a key part of our planning for this event."

While the Government is planning for a physical summit, plans will be continuously reviewed in light of public health advice and contingencies are in place.

"Our priority is to work closely with our communities to provide peace of mind about all aspects of the G7 coming to Cornwall. While we cannot reveal specifics about the security and policing arrangements at this time, all measures needed will be undertaken to keep people safe," added ACC Mayhew.

"Significant engagement and communication will be undertaken with residents, businesses and all key community leaders over the coming months and I would also encourage people to talk with their local neighbourhood officers to raise any concerns and questions.

"Overall, the most important operational outcome of G7 for us is to ensure that the event passes safely and leaves a positive legacy for the people of Cornwall and the wider peninsula."

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