Policing minister Nick Herbert has told Parliament that the 2012 Olympic security budget has been "prioritised" in the Home Office's police funding settlement.

In a written statement to the House of Commons, Herbert said funding worth up to £600m has been made available to ensure the security of the Games. However, the government remains confident that the necessary safety and security measures can be achieved for around £475m, without further risk to visitors and competitors.

Herbert said: "Since 2007, the Home Office has identified significant financial savings and the government believes that it will be possible to continue to make further savings without creating additional risk." The government holds joint responsibility for the security of the Games, along with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.