Armed police and road blocks on way as Tories head to Birmingham for conference
Armed officers, road blocks and vehicle spot checks will be in place when West Midlands Police biggest security operation of the year gets under way ahead of the Conservative Party conference.
It runs at the ICC from October 2 to October 5 and is expected to attract more than 12,000 delegates, but the WMP's Operation Pelkin is set to kick into gear tomorrow as the force prepares for heightened security concerns.
It will see hundreds of officers on patrol in Birmingham city centre, some of whom will carry guns, while sections of the area from the Hyatt Hotel to the library will be fenced off and airport-style security checks put in place at key entrance points.
Anti-terrorism legislation will be deployed, enabling police to mount vehicle checks.
Around 450 vehicles were searched the last time the conference came to the city in 2014, although operation lead Superintendent Darren Miles said this year's event poses a higher risk level.
Numerous anti-austerity protests are planned during the conference, with up to 20,000 TUC and People's Assembly supporters due to march on its first day.
"Although the terrorist threat to the conference itself is rated as moderate, the threat in the UK remains at severe," Supt Miles said.
"However, we are not aware of any specific threats to any particular MPs or to the conference as a whole.
"We are aware of a number of peaceful protests that are planned, starting on the opening day of the conference.
"Our operation will focus on ensuring that everyone who comes to the city during the conference will be safe."
He added that the presence of armed officers would 'act as a precaution and provide reassurance', and called for members of the public to be the force's 'eyes and ears' and to report anything suspicious."
The conference will see Theresa May set out her plans for Britain's future, and will also feature other big hitters including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has written to Home Secretary Amber Rudd asking for a 'fairer arrangement' over funding the policing of the event.
It is set to cost in excess of £500,000 this year, while the Tories are due to return to the city in 2018 and 2020.
Mr Jamieson said a £460,000 bill for a 'dedicated planning team', which had been in place since last autumn, 'will not be recouped' by the force.
"The next four years could cost the force £1.5 million if this issue is not resolved," he added.
It's estimated the regional economy will benefit by £17m as a result of the conference.
