Canada issues travel advisory for U.K., warns of violent protests and crime – NOW Toronto

Canadian travellers heading to the United Kingdom should exercise a high degree of caution, the Government of Canada warns. 

A travel advisory released early Wednesday explains that there is a current threat of terrorism in the U.K., caused by ongoing demonstrations and violent clashes between protesters and police since July 30. 

“In the United Kingdom, previous attacks have resulted in casualties,” the advisory reads. “They have included random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions.”

It’s also noted that most of these incidents have mainly occurred in the London area but have also happened in other parts of the U.K. Further attacks are likely, the advisory warns, and says targets can include institutions like schools, government buildings, places of worship, as well as airports and transit networks. Travellers should also beware of tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping centres and many other sites frequented by foreigners. 

Many of these nationwide riots stem from racism and Islamophobia, following the July 29 fatal knife attack against three girls at a Taylor Swift themed-dance workshop in Southport, England. Rioters, believing the suspect to be Muslim, attacked a mosque, set emergency vehicles on fire, and injured nearly 40 police officers hours later, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation. 

It was later confirmed that the 17-year-old suspect, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, was not Muslim. However, the misinformation has spread like wildfire and is resulting in many U.K. storefronts owned by people of colour to be shuttered and boarded up to avoid damages.