Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt made the announcement, saying that Ministers had agreed there was no "current need" to actually deploy any further troops.

The 1,200 extra soldiers would, Hunt said, have their notice to move reduced from seven days to 48 hours.

"They will remain in their current locations but can be called on if we need them during the coming weeks," the Minister stated.

"We hope that will not be necessary but this is a sensible precaution."

The additional demands on the armed services have been made necessary by the private security company G4S's failure to recruit enough personnel to adequately provide security for London 2012, in a development that has left the group's reputation in tatters.

The Government has already had to cancel the leave of 3,500 soldiers and policemen and women to make up the shortfall.

Soldiers guarding an exit from the Olympic Park, London

Hunt emphasised today that "G4S numbers" were rising.

"We are seeing an improvement in the company's performance which is to be welcomed," the minister said.

He added: "Safety and security will always have the highest priority.

"As we have said we must prepare for every contingency.

"There will be other challenges over the coming weeks, but we are confident that we are on track to stage a great Games."

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