Up to 10,000 UK nationals are expected to travel to the World Cup
in Russia. Today’s report from the Foreign Affairs
Committee, The FCO’s preparations for the 2018 World
Cup says that racist and/or homophobic intimidation,
violence from hooligans and anti-British hostility are among the
risks faced by those fans. The threat of violence by Russian
football hooligans has been a ‘specific focus’ for the FCO’s
preparations.
The Committee notes the security measures that will be in place,
the cross-governmental preparations by the FCO and the efforts to
provide additional consular support such as ‘mobile embassies’ in
cities where England will play – on and around match days. But,
although the FCO has not discouraged UK nationals from
travelling, the Committee remains concerned about fans’ safety,
particularly outside match days and in cities where England is
not playing.
The expulsion of 23 UK diplomats, including staff preparing for
the World Cup, may have dented the thoroughness of FCO
preparations. Page views on a dedicated website are lower than
expected and more must be done - in the short time available – to
ensure fans are aware of the risks, and of the arrangements for
match/non-match days at England and non-England games. The FCO
must demonstrate it can act swiftly and decisively in fans’
interests should the situation demand it.
MPs remain particularly concerned about safe passage for BAME and
LGBT football fans who already face additional risks of attack
and persecution in a country whose government has taken “little
action to combat homophobia” (FCO’s Human Rights and Democracy
Report 2016). The Committee’s Report calls for the FCO to set out
the specific assurances it has received from Russian authorities
on the safety of LGBT fans.
The Chair of Committee, MP, commented:
“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.
“This includes BAME and LGBT fans. 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. 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.
“We will be cheering on the England team and we wish all fans and
their hosts an enjoyable World Cup. We hope to hear good news
from the FCO when they report back to us in September with their
assessment of how the tournament went.”
