Obama my neighbour

The G20 Summit kicked off tonight in London. The G20 is a group of 19 countries, plus the European Union, who collectively represent 85% of the world's GNP. The Group's leaders are in town for the next two days debating a global plan for economic recovery and reform. Their presence has resulted in a massive £10 million security net across the city.

More than 5,000 police are curently on duty, including 2,500 in the central financial district alone. Many have been drafted in from outside London, escorting 40 armed conveys or containing seven officially registered demonstrations. The first of these protests began today outside the Bank of England where twenty-two people were arrested. Another two demonstrations are in full force this evening, with early reports of one death.

Police fear these protests will become increasingly violent, with much of the anger directed at banks and their staff. As a result, workers in the financial district are being urged to dress casually so as not to draw the attention and ire of protesters. In Garry's office everyone has been told to dress down, while staff in my office are advised to do the same if venturing into town for meetings.


President Obama is staying at Winfield House, located on the edge of Regent's Park, less than ten minutes walk from our house. With the president in the neighbourhood, security is understandably tight. This morning I walked to work through the park and stumbled across an overwhelming police presence.

The entire northwest corner of the park was fenced off, with large crash barriers spaced at regular intervals and bolted firmly to the ground. Police patrolled in pairs every 20 metres along both sides of the fence, while scores more sat armed and waiting in a dozen minivans. The police clearly mean business!

This evening as I was coming home, Baker Street tube station was also swarming with police officers. They were out in force to prevent trouble as fans made their way to an England v Ukraine World Cup football qualifier at Wembley Stadium. I think I've seen more policemen today than I've seen in three years.

Tomorrow morning at 7am we'll be woken by the President's helicopter departing for the Summit's East London venue. Apparently more than one identical helicopter typically flies in convey, to confuse potential threats and provide a back-up at all times. I'm guessing we won't run in Obama at the local Tesco any time soon.