Talking Points – United Kingdom
The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients who have questions about travel to the United Kingdom. (May 23, 2017)
1. Despite recent attacks in London and Manchester, there has been no change to the UK’s terror threat level and no travel alerts or warnings have been issued.
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.
1. Despite recent attacks in London and Manchester, there has been no change to the UK’s terror threat level and no travel alerts or warnings have been issued.
On May 22, 2017, at Manchester Arena, a suicide bomb was detonated at the conclusion of a concert resulting in fatalities and numerous injuries.
o NPR offered a timeline of the attack: “The explosion struck the area between Manchester Arena and the adjacent Victoria Train Station; police say the first report came in at 10:33 p.m. – a time that seems to have been chosen because it meant crowds of concert-goers were starting to head home from the arena, which seats around 21,000.”
It was also noted by NPR that the attacker has died: “‘The attacker, I can confirm, died at the arena,’ Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said at a news conference. ‘We believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated causing this atrocity.’”
o According to the BBC, “22 people have been killed and 59 injured in a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande.”
“A lone attacker set off a homemade bomb in the foyer at 22:33 BST” and “armed police have arrested a 23-year-old man in Chorlton, south Manchester, in connection with the attack.”
“It is the worst terrorist attack in the UK since the 7 July bombings in 2005 in which 52 people were killed by four suicide bombers. So-called Islamic State has said it was behind the attack, via IS channels on the messaging app Telegram.”
The U.S. Embassy in London issued a security message for U.S. citizens on May 23, 2017, stating in part:
o “The U.S. Embassy in London informs U.S. citizens of a major incident that occurred on the night of May 22 at Manchester Arena in Manchester …Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowds or at large events, and monitor local news sources for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”
Because of the bombing in Manchester, the BBC is also reporting that London officials are increasing security throughout the city.
o “The Metropolitan Police Service has increased the number of officers on duty across the capital. In a statement, the Met said specialist officers were reviewing all the plans for upcoming events in London. This includes smaller events which may not have had a police presence seeing a greater focus. The Met also said a full review of the security and policing operations for the weekend’s sporting events – at both Wembley and Twickenham – is underway. This will include the deployment of extra armed officers.”
On March 22, 2017, a lone attacker drove into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before running onto the grounds of Parliament and stabbing a police officer. The attacker was shot and killed by police.
o The attacker has been identified as Khalid Masood. According to the BBC, “Kent-born Masood, who was shot dead in the attack, was not the subject of any current police investigations, but had a range of previous convictions.”
Currently the UK’s threat level for international terrorism is “severe,” which means an attack is “highly likely.”
o The threat level has remained at “severe” since August 2014.
o There are five levels to the UK terror alert system with “critical” being the highest. At the “critical” level, “an attack is expected imminently.”
There are currently no Travel Warnings or Travel Alerts in place for the United Kingdom (UK) from the U.S. State Department, nevertheless, terrorism knows no boundaries.
o There is a Travel Alert in place for all of Europe (issued May 1, 2017).
o In addition, there is a longstanding Worldwide Caution that has continuously been in effect since 9/11.
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.
We also strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.
While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:
o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.
o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.
o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.
o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.
o Ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the locations they plan to visit.
o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.
o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.
The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful Traveler’s Checklist that provides additional travel tips.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained through the Consular Information Program documents, by downloading the free Smart Traveler iPhone App, following the State Department on Twitter or the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook. Citizens can also call 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website, as well as other governmental sources, for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.
