Since 30 July 2024, far-right riots have taken place across the UK. The violence began in Southport following the mass stabbing and deaths of three young girls, and has since spread to London, Rotherham, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Bolton, and Belfast, among other places. These racist acts of terrorism, stoked by misinformation and dangerous false speculation spread online, have been condemned by the Prime Minister, as “far-right thuggery”.
In response to the riots, several countries around the world have issued safety warnings to citizens travelling to or currently visiting the UK. Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nigeria have all published travel advice and guidance, advising travellers to “avoid areas” of violence and check updates from the media and local government security groups.
The Australian government asked citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” and to “avoid areas” that have “the potential for disruption and violence”. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have released a travel alert reporting on “the increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK”, while the Indian High Commission in London is advising visitors to “stay vigilant and exercise caution while travelling in the UK”. Violence so far has included knife crime, destruction of property, arson, physical aggression, racist abuse and damaging far-right rhetoric.
In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer has stated that “the riots are dangerous”, and that “those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law” and will “regret taking part in this disorder. Whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves.”
This article will be updated with the latest UK travel advice.