Several countries have issued safety warnings to their citizens in the UK – and updated their advice about travelling to Britain after days of anti-immigration protests and violent riots.
Violence has broken out in multiple towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland following the killing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport last week. Now, Nigeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Australia, Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have all sent out alerts, warning their citizens to take extra care if they are in the UK.
Malaysia was the first country to issue a warning. Its High Commission in London posted a message online which read: “Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.”
Malaysian officials also “strongly encouraged” people to register with the High Commission. It said doing so would allow citizens to “receive timely information and assistance”.
The Indonesian embassy in London also issued a warning, advising its citizens in the UK to increase their vigilance – particularly when travelling or engaging in outdoor activities. It also advised Indonesians to “avoid large crowds and places that have the potential to become gathering places for masses or groups of demonstrators.”
A “travel alert” by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based in the capital Abuja, stated that there is “an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK”. It noted that “the violence has assumed dangerous proportions”.
Nigeria’s warning went on: “Demonstrations by far right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large, and in some instances unruly.”
Canada also issued new advice to its citizens who are visiting or resident in the UK. Justin Trudeau‘s Government raised the risk level of travel to the UK due to the “threat of terrorism.”
And Australia has advised its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting Britain. Its government said: “Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence.”
Meanwhile, The UAE said an “unstable security situation in various cities across the UK” could put travellers at risk. This morning, (Tuesday, August 6) India also issued a warning.
The High Commission of India in London urged its citizens to exercise caution while travelling in the UK. It said: “Indian travellers would be aware of recent disturbances in some parts of the United Kingdom. The High Commission of India in London is closely monitoring the situation. Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise due caution while travelling in the UK.
“It is advisable to follow local news and advisories issued by local security agencies, and to avoid areas where protests are underway. Many countries around the world, including the US, Germany and Denmark, issued travel advice to their citizens following riots in England in summer 2011.”