The federal government updated its travel advisory for Canadians travelling to the UK, warning of potential riots, terrorist threats and other potential violent outbreaks.
Global Affairs Canada made the update on Wednesday, telling Canadians who wish to travel there to “exercise a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom due to the threat of terrorism.”
The advisory went on to urge Canadians to “avoid areas where demonstrations, protests and large gatherings are taking place” and to “expect an increased security force presence in areas where demonstrations are taking place.”
Additional advice included telling travellers to “follow the instructions of local authorities” and to “monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.”
Several demonstrations and violent clashes between police and the protestors have taken place since July 30.
However, when asked by True North if the department was warning about a specific threat, Global Affairs Canada responded by saying that “the Government of Canada has been advising Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom since 2017.”
“As of August 7, we are advising Canadians about the ongoing demonstrations and violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the UK, as the situation could deteriorate further. This has not resulted in a change in the level of our advisory,” a GAC spokesperson told True North.
The spokesperson said that the decision to update the UK’s Travel Advice and Advisories was made “in consultation with the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for the foreign destination, and stakeholders from various divisions at Global Affairs Canada.”
Three young girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport, in northern England on July 29.
Following the attack, police arrested a 17-year-old male and charged him with murder and attempted murder.
The suspect arrested was born in Britain to Rwandan immigrants. After the attack, riots broke out in London, Hartlepool and Manchester in the following days.
“Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time,” said Global Affairs. “Past violent clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in assaults, riots, looting, and vandalism. Protests can deteriorate quickly.”
Public places like shopping centres, places of worship, markets, sporting events, schools, airports and tourist attractions are all potential targets.
A series of Taylor Swift concerts scheduled for Vienna, Austria were also recently cancelled over what Austrian authorities called a planned terrorist attack at the stadium where the event was supposed to take place.
“With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” said event organizer Barracuda Music in a social media post on Wednesday.