Travel warnings are rising after unrest and violent riots are escalating around the UK and have been ongoing for just over a week.
Several Countries Warning Citizens in the UK
Several countries have now issued safety warnings to their citizens in the UK due to the far-right riots and anti-immigration protests.
400 Arrests and Counting
Over 400 people have been arrested across the country for offences relating to the riots thus far, and police officers have even been injured dealing with the disorder.
Travel Alerts Published
Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Indonesia have all advised citizens to avoid demonstrations at all costs.
Protests Have Become Violent and Dangerous
These warnings have come after several protests and riots broke out nationwide and have become violent and extremely dangerous.
Malaysia Ahead of the Pack
Malaysia was the first to warn its citizens due to the violence that’s been witnessed in cities and towns in the UK.
Citizens Warned to “Stay Away From Protests”
The Malaysia Ministry of Foreign Affairs published an alert warning Malaysians living or visiting the UK to “stay away” from protests and “remain vigilant.”
Citizens Encouraged to Register to Get Prompt Information
They also urged their citizens to register with the High Commission of Malaysia in London to receive up-to-date news and assistance.
Australian Government Recognises Volatile Protests
Australia’s government has instructed their citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” and “avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence.”
Nigeria States” Increased Violence”
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a travel alert stating that “an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK.”
Protests Gaining International Coverage for the Wrong Reasons
It also mentioned the escalation and size: “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.”
Indonesia Warning Their Citizens to Avoid Large Crowds
The Indonesian embassy in London also warned their citizens to avoid large crowds and increase their vigilance.
Mosque Targeted Due to Misinformation
The first riot broke out near a mosque in Southport where the murders of three little girls had taken place, prompting the disorder.
Misinformation Leads to Unrest
Misinformation about the suspect was circulated, stating that he is a “Muslim immigrant”, with others falsely saying he was an asylum seeker who arrived on a small boat.
Suspect Born in the UK
He was later named and identified as having been born in the UK to Rwandan parents in an attempt to stop the misinformation.
Riots Near Asylum Seekers Housing and Mosques
But the riots and disorder have taken place at hotels where asylum seekers are housed and near mosques.
Significant Muslim Populated Countries Act Fast
Three countries that have issued safety alerts all have a large Muslim population and thus acted faster than others.
The Law Will Prevail
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has warned those involved that they will be found and held accountable by the law.
Those Involved Will” Regret” It
He has vowed that rioters who are engaging in “far-right thuggery” would regret it and has promised to “ramp up criminal justice.”
Emergency Meeting Called
Starmer has vowed to do “whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice” and has called an emergency Cobra meeting to discuss the response to the disorder.
Other Countries to Follow Suit
If the unrest doesn’t end, it is just a matter of time before other countries follow suit and issue travel warnings and alerts to their citizens.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / ctickle.