Herts facing huge bill for Bilderberg summit

Hertfordshire Constabulary could be left with a seven figure bill from policing an international conference of the world’s key leaders.

The Bilderberg Group will meet at The Grove Hotel in Watford for three days from June 6, with top businessmen, royalty and global heads of state among the attendees. It is the first time the conference has been held in the UK since 1998.

Concerns have been raised that the event, as well as any possible protests and spin-offs such as Bilderberg Fringe Festival, may impact on the force’s budget and operational abilities, with local residents also airing worries over the impact of security arrangements.

A force spokesperson confirmed the Bilderberg Group had agreed to contribute towards the policing costs, adding it would be discussing the funding for the event with the Home Office as well as “seeking funding from other sources to help cover the costs of policing”.

“We would not normally disclose the exact costs of such an event for operational reasons. In addition costs can be hard to evaluate, particularly prior to or during an operation,” they said.

“The organisers of the event are paying for a private security firm which will be providing security at the venue. In addition, the organisers have agreed to contribute towards policing costs relating to the event. As we do not disclose the costs of operations prior to their event, we will not disclose the amounts at this stage.”

A Home Office spokesperson said they would need to wait until after Hertfordshire Constabulary has submitted its costing for policing the event before deciding if it will provide financial compensation for the policing operation.

David Lloyd, police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire, hoped any exceptional costs “would be covered in the normal way”.