Latest news with #Commonwealth&DevelopmentOffice
Local Germany
a day ago
- Local Germany
The travel warnings about Germany ahead of summer 2025
In the last few weeks, the US and Canada have updated their travel advice for visitors to Germany, primarily due to concerns about the possibility of terrorist attacks taking place in the country. In May, the US State Department issued a travel advisory placing Germany at Level 2: "Exercise Increased Caution." The new advice cites the persistent threat of terrorism, warning that attacks may occur with little or no warning in public spaces, including those frequented by tourists. Travellers are advised that: "Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public locations with knives, small arms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles...' The US has also upgraded advisories for several other European countries to Level 2, including Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, and the UK. Canada, the UK, and Australia The government of Canada updated its advice for Germany soon after the US State Department did, telling travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution," because of concerns about terrorism. Advertisement Travellers are avised that: "Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Over the past few years, several attacks have occurred in Germany. These have resulted in many injuries and deaths. Further attacks are likely." Advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) states that 'terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Germany. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places visited by foreign nationals such as restaurants, markets, shopping centres, places of worship and religious sites, including synagogues, sporting and cultural events, and crowded places and public gatherings.' The website also provides a list of incidents dating back to 2019. While the recent advisories stop short of recommending that people avoid Germany, the relevant authorities in each country urge travellers to be on their guard, monitor local news, and follow instructions from local authorities. At present, the Australian government continues to advise travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in Germany, but refers to 'multiple attacks using vehicles or knives in the last year.'
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
David Lammy heads to US for crisis talks over Israel-Iran conflict
Mr Lammy and US secretary of state Mr Rubio will discuss the situation in the Middle East on Thursday evening. Iran and Israel continued striking each other's territory overnight as the crisis deepened. We currently advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. If you are a British national in Israel or the OPTs, you should register your presence to receive updates ⤵️ — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 16, 2025 A hospital in southern Israel was hit by a missile, while a heavy water facility in Iran was targeted in the latest blow against Tehran's nuclear programme. Mr Lammy's meeting in Washington comes amid speculation US involvement could require the use of the UK-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. The B-2 stealth bombers based there are capable of carrying specialised 'bunker buster' bombs which could be used against Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo. But UK Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any potential British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, something which could limit the extent of any support for the US if Mr Trump decides to act militarily. .@POTUS on dismantling Iran's Fordow nuclear facility: "We're the only ones that have the capability to do it, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do it — at all." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 18, 2025 Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told Times Radio: 'Legal advice is for the Prime Minister, and I think that's where it will stay and you can understand why I won't comment on that. 'But what I will say is that we have a Prime Minister who is a lawyer and a human rights lawyer, he will obviously do everything that is in accord with international law.' She said Sir Keir Starmer was acting as a 'cool, calm head, to urge all partners around the negotiating table and to find a diplomatic route out of this'. But shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'I don't think we can hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis and national security when we have to work alongside our biggest ally in the world, the United States, when they look to us for potentially… setting out operational activities through our own military bases.' She said the Conservative Party would support British involvement in military action against Iran if it was deemed necessary. Iran long has insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful, but it is the only non-nuclear-armed state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% and far in excess of the levels required for power stations. Dame Priti told Good Morning Britain: 'While we want peace in the region, we're crystal clear that Iran should not be able to obtain nuclear weapons. 'And if the Government judges that such action is necessary to avoid that then we would absolutely support the Government if it deemed it necessary to ensure that we can defend our country, our citizens and effectively a lot of our strategic equities in the Middle East region.' She also told the programme that the Government needs to 'step up' support for Britons stranded in Israel after the airspace was closed. 'I think the current Government's response is not sufficient and if families of embassy staff and personnel are being evacuated then I think the same facilities must be extended to our citizens,' she said. The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel based on a specific assessment of the risks they face, but has not advised British nationals. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The UK Government has pointed out that land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said: 'Our first job is to keep British nationals safe, and our dedicated teams in the region are working around the clock to do this. 'We are asking all British nationals in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to register their presence so that we can share our updates with them and make sure we're giving them the best advice possible.'
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
David Lammy heads to US for crisis talks over Israel-Iran conflict
Mr Lammy and US secretary of state Mr Rubio will discuss the situation in the Middle East on Thursday evening. Iran and Israel continued striking each other's territory overnight as the crisis deepened. We currently advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. If you are a British national in Israel or the OPTs, you should register your presence to receive updates ⤵️ — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 16, 2025 A hospital in southern Israel was hit by a missile, while a heavy water facility in Iran was targeted in the latest blow against Tehran's nuclear programme. Mr Lammy's meeting in Washington comes amid speculation US involvement could require the use of the UK-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. The B-2 stealth bombers based there are capable of carrying specialised 'bunker buster' bombs which could be used against Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo. But UK Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any potential British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, something which could limit the extent of any support for the US if Mr Trump decides to act militarily. .@POTUS on dismantling Iran's Fordow nuclear facility: "We're the only ones that have the capability to do it, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do it — at all." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 18, 2025 Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told Times Radio: 'Legal advice is for the Prime Minister, and I think that's where it will stay and you can understand why I won't comment on that. 'But what I will say is that we have a Prime Minister who is a lawyer and a human rights lawyer, he will obviously do everything that is in accord with international law.' She said Sir Keir Starmer was acting as a 'cool, calm head, to urge all partners around the negotiating table and to find a diplomatic route out of this'. But shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'I don't think we can hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis and national security when we have to work alongside our biggest ally in the world, the United States, when they look to us for potentially… setting out operational activities through our own military bases.' She said the Conservative Party would support British involvement in military action against Iran if it was deemed necessary. Iran long has insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful, but it is the only non-nuclear-armed state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% and far in excess of the levels required for power stations. Dame Priti told Good Morning Britain: 'While we want peace in the region, we're crystal clear that Iran should not be able to obtain nuclear weapons. 'And if the Government judges that such action is necessary to avoid that then we would absolutely support the Government if it deemed it necessary to ensure that we can defend our country, our citizens and effectively a lot of our strategic equities in the Middle East region.' She also told the programme that the Government needs to 'step up' support for Britons stranded in Israel after the airspace was closed. 'I think the current Government's response is not sufficient and if families of embassy staff and personnel are being evacuated then I think the same facilities must be extended to our citizens,' she said. The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel based on a specific assessment of the risks they face, but has not advised British nationals. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The UK Government has pointed out that land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said: 'Our first job is to keep British nationals safe, and our dedicated teams in the region are working around the clock to do this. 'We are asking all British nationals in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to register their presence so that we can share our updates with them and make sure we're giving them the best advice possible.'
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
David Lammy heads to US for crisis talks over Israel-Iran conflict
Mr Lammy and US secretary of state Mr Rubio will discuss the situation in the Middle East on Thursday evening. Iran and Israel continued striking each other's territory overnight as the crisis deepened. We currently advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. If you are a British national in Israel or the OPTs, you should register your presence to receive updates ⤵️ — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 16, 2025 A hospital in southern Israel was hit by a missile, while a heavy water facility in Iran was targeted in the latest blow against Tehran's nuclear programme. Mr Lammy's meeting in Washington comes amid speculation US involvement could require the use of the UK-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. The B-2 stealth bombers based there are capable of carrying specialised 'bunker buster' bombs which could be used against Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo. But UK Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any potential British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, something which could limit the extent of any support for the US if Mr Trump decides to act militarily. .@POTUS on dismantling Iran's Fordow nuclear facility: "We're the only ones that have the capability to do it, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do it — at all." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 18, 2025 Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told Times Radio: 'Legal advice is for the Prime Minister, and I think that's where it will stay and you can understand why I won't comment on that. 'But what I will say is that we have a Prime Minister who is a lawyer and a human rights lawyer, he will obviously do everything that is in accord with international law.' She said Sir Keir Starmer was acting as a 'cool, calm head, to urge all partners around the negotiating table and to find a diplomatic route out of this'. But shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'I don't think we can hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis and national security when we have to work alongside our biggest ally in the world, the United States, when they look to us for potentially… setting out operational activities through our own military bases.' She said the Conservative Party would support British involvement in military action against Iran if it was deemed necessary. Iran long has insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful, but it is the only non-nuclear-armed state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% and far in excess of the levels required for power stations. Dame Priti Patel said the Government could not hide behind confidential legal advice in a crisis (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Dame Priti told Good Morning Britain: 'While we want peace in the region, we're crystal clear that Iran should not be able to obtain nuclear weapons. 'And if the Government judges that such action is necessary to avoid that then we would absolutely support the Government if it deemed it necessary to ensure that we can defend our country, our citizens and effectively a lot of our strategic equities in the Middle East region.' She also told the programme that the Government needs to 'step up' support for Britons stranded in Israel after the airspace was closed. 'I think the current Government's response is not sufficient and if families of embassy staff and personnel are being evacuated then I think the same facilities must be extended to our citizens,' she said. The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel based on a specific assessment of the risks they face, but has not advised British nationals. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The UK Government has pointed out that land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said: 'Our first job is to keep British nationals safe, and our dedicated teams in the region are working around the clock to do this. 'We are asking all British nationals in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to register their presence so that we can share our updates with them and make sure we're giving them the best advice possible.'
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
David Lammy heads to US for crisis talks over Israel-Iran conflict
Mr Lammy and US secretary of state Mr Rubio will discuss the situation in the Middle East on Thursday evening. Iran and Israel continued striking each other's territory overnight as the crisis deepened. We currently advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. If you are a British national in Israel or the OPTs, you should register your presence to receive updates ⤵️ — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 16, 2025 A hospital in southern Israel was hit by a missile, while a heavy water facility in Iran was targeted in the latest blow against Tehran's nuclear programme. Mr Lammy's meeting in Washington comes amid speculation US involvement could require the use of the UK-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. The B-2 stealth bombers based there are capable of carrying specialised 'bunker buster' bombs which could be used against Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo. But UK Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any potential British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, something which could limit the extent of any support for the US if Mr Trump decides to act militarily. .@POTUS on dismantling Iran's Fordow nuclear facility: "We're the only ones that have the capability to do it, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do it — at all." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 18, 2025 Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told Times Radio: 'Legal advice is for the Prime Minister, and I think that's where it will stay and you can understand why I won't comment on that. 'But what I will say is that we have a Prime Minister who is a lawyer and a human rights lawyer, he will obviously do everything that is in accord with international law.' She said Sir Keir Starmer was acting as a 'cool, calm head, to urge all partners around the negotiating table and to find a diplomatic route out of this'. But shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'I don't think we can hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis and national security when we have to work alongside our biggest ally in the world, the United States, when they look to us for potentially… setting out operational activities through our own military bases.' She said the Conservative Party would support British involvement in military action against Iran if it was deemed necessary. Iran long has insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful, but it is the only non-nuclear-armed state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% and far in excess of the levels required for power stations. Dame Priti told Good Morning Britain: 'While we want peace in the region, we're crystal clear that Iran should not be able to obtain nuclear weapons. 'And if the Government judges that such action is necessary to avoid that then we would absolutely support the Government if it deemed it necessary to ensure that we can defend our country, our citizens and effectively a lot of our strategic equities in the Middle East region.' She also told the programme that the Government needs to 'step up' support for Britons stranded in Israel after the airspace was closed. 'I think the current Government's response is not sufficient and if families of embassy staff and personnel are being evacuated then I think the same facilities must be extended to our citizens,' she said. The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel based on a specific assessment of the risks they face, but has not advised British nationals. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The UK Government has pointed out that land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said: 'Our first job is to keep British nationals safe, and our dedicated teams in the region are working around the clock to do this. 'We are asking all British nationals in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to register their presence so that we can share our updates with them and make sure we're giving them the best advice possible.'
