Mayor refuses to allow armed foreign cops in London in 2012

Clashes have emerged between Ken Livingstone and Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell over key preparations for the 2012 Games. Their differing approaches were exposed during a BBC London debate last night.

Mr Livingstone dismissed claims that foreign police may supplement the 2,600 armed officers in Britain who will protect athletes and VIPs.

He said he didn't want "a lot of gun-toting police wandering around". Meanwhile, Ms Jowell dodged the security question by saying it was the responsibility of the Met.

Asked if the weekly cost to a London household would remain at the promised 38p a week for up to 12 years, the Mayor said: "I would resign rather than break that pledge." But when asked if the new budget - up from an initial £2.4 billion - was watertight, Ms Jowell said: "I can't give a guarantee, nor can anybody."