SEVERAL countries across the globe have issued UK travel warnings to their citizens amid a wave of far-right riots across England and Northern Ireland.
On Tuesday morning, India became the latest nation to issue a warning, following in the wake of others including Australia and Nigeria.
In a statement shared by the official spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the High Commission of India in London said it was “closely monitoring the situation”, and warned Indian citizens to “stay vigilant and exercise due caution while traveling in the UK” including by avoiding any areas where protests may be taking place.
What countries have issued a UK travel warning to their citizens?
As of Tuesday morning, six countries had issued UK travel warnings due to riots across England and Northern Ireland.
These were:
- India
- Australia
- Nigeria
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- UAE
The warnings come after violence broke out in several towns and cities following the killing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport last week, and unfounded speculation fuelled by far-right figures that the attacker was a Muslim immigrant.
More than 400 people have been arrested since the riots first started last Tuesday.
What are the international UK travel warnings saying?
In its warning, issued on Monday, the Australian government said travellers to the UK should "exercise a high degree of caution in the UK due to the threat of terrorism".
“Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence,” the country’s government said. “Monitor the media for information and updates. Follow the instructions of local authorities.”
Statement Issued By The High Commission of Nigeria, London. 5 August, 2024. pic.twitter.com/g35huHxxpA
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria 🇳🇬 (@NigeriaMFA) August 5, 2024
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”, noting that “the violence has assumed dangerous proportions”.
It 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.”
READ MORE: Scottish independence march postponed to unify numbers at far-right counter-protest
The High Commission of Malaysia 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.”
It also “strongly encouraged” people to register with it to “receive timely information and assistance”.
The Indonesian embassy in London also issued a warning, advising its citizens in the UK to avoid large crowds and increase their vigilance.
— UAE Embassy UK (@UAEEmbassyUK) August 5, 2024
The official account of the UAE Embassy in London urged citizens of the country to “exercise the necessary precautions and avoid crowded areas in some cities”.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has also issued a statement condemning the violence which it said was “fuelled by hatred”.
Many countries around the world, including the US, Germany and Denmark, issued travel advice to their citizens following riots in England in the summer of 2011.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel