Foreign Nations Advise Citizens Against Travel to London
Nations across the globe have been shocked and surprised about the rioting that has devastated London and spread to other cities in Britain. This has led to several of them advising their nationals to avoid travelling to the British capital until the violence subsides. Some of these countries include Italy, Germany, Russia, Kenya and the Philippines. Authorities in India are concerned for the cricket team, which had a match with England in the third Test on Wednesday in Birmingham.
The Italian foreign ministry said that travellers in London need to avoid crowds and stay updated on the developing situation through the media. It has sent text messages to those who are registered with them, advising that they be cautious. Andrea Giannetti, the head of Confindustria Assotravel, the main tour association, says only a few people have cancelled their holidays to the UK so far.
The German foreign ministry said nationals visiting the UK need to exercise special caution and immediately turn away from any disturbance. Advice from security forces should be particularly heeded and the media should be used to stay informed about the evolving situation.
The rioting started on Saturday night after the family of 29-year-old Mark Duggan held a peaceful protest. The young father-of-four was shot and killed by authorities on Thursday of last week during a planned arrest. His minicab, in which he was a passenger, was stopped in Ferry Lane. Officers were shot at from inside the vehicle and fired back shortly after. An officer was injured during the event, and the bullet was found lodged in his radio. Since then, the looting and violence has taken a form of its own and isn’t related to the shooting anymore.