MPs warn ministers more needs to be done to protect England fans travelling to World Cup
2 min read
The Government must do more to protect England fans travelling to the World Cup in Russia, MPs have warned.
The Foreign Affairs Select Committee said supporters from the UK were especially at risk of racist and homophobic intimidation from Russian football hooligans.
Ministers have been working to protect those heading to watch the tournament, which starts next week, but the MPs said more needed to be done.
“Vague reassurances from Foreign Office ministers have not been enough to reassure us that UK nationals will be safe, regardless of their background or sexual orientation,” Tory committee chair Tom Tugendhat said.
“The FCO should provide as much information to fans as is possible in the short time still available. UK football fans must know how to manage the risks so that they are safe from the fear of violence.”
Some 10,000 England fans are expected to travel to the World Cup, with the Foreign Office preparing ‘mobile embassies’ on and around match days in cities where the team will play.
But in a report publihed today, the Foreign Affairs Committee said concerns remained over safety outside match days and in cities where England are not playing.
It added that more needed to be done to ensure supporters were aware of and had access to information spelling out the risks and how to respond if they run into trouble.
And it said the expulsion of 23 British diplomats from Russia in the wake of the Salisbury poisoning may have stunted safety preparations for the football tournament.
Mr Tugendhat added: “The safety and security of UK fans visiting the 2018 World Cup is the responsibility of the Russian government.
“But the Foreign Office has a duty to offer consular support to all UK football fans making the trip to Russia.
“At this late stage, the FCO should be able to demonstrate it can communicate swiftly with all the fans who travel – from basic information announcements to security advice, if required.”
The LGBT community in Russia face the risk of violence from vigilante groups, but lack adequate protection from the state, according to evidence provided to the committee.
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