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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Now Australia has issued a travel warning for the UK as rioting continues

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Tourists have been warned about travel to Britain after almost a week of far-right extremism .

India, Australia, Malaysia, Nigeria and Indonesia have now all issued safety warnings to citizens after riots engulfed Rotherham, Middlesbrough, Manchester, Bristol, Bolton and other parts of the country.

Follow our live blog for all the latest updates from the far-right riots

People who are living in or visiting the UK have been urged to ‘stay away’ from protest areas and ‘remain vigilant’.

Last night Australia became the fourth country to tell citizens to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ when visiting the UK following the riots.

In an update to its travel advice, it said: ‘Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence.’

It told citizens they should monitor the media for information and updates.

Last night there was further unrest in Ireland as rioters threw petrol bombs in Belfast, while ‘sustained violence’ broke out in Plymouth.

In Plymouth, police came under attack after 150 officers were deployed to the city centre. Several suffered minor injuries after bricks and fireworks were thrown at them.

A pub and cars were also damaged in Birmingham after hundreds gathered in the Bordesley Green area following false reports that far-right protestors planned to march through the area.

Cars and a pub were attacked by a masked group who broke away from the main demonstration.

On Monday Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also ‘strongly encouraged’ them to register with London’s High Commission to ‘receive timely information and assistance’.

A post from an official government X account said it was ‘closely monitoring’ the situation.

It continued: ‘Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.’

The announcement on Sunday afternoon was followed by a second warning this morning, this time from Nigeria.

Its foreign ministry urged people to avoid political processions and protests, rallies and marches.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s government warned that attacks of ‘dangerous proportions’ had broken out across the UK in a post to social media.

Taking to X, Nigeria’s federal ministry of foreign affairs said: ‘There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of 3 young girls at a concert.

‘The violence has assumed dangerous proportions as evidenced by reported attacks on Law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure.’

This comes after Indonesia’s Embassy in London urged its citizens to increase their vigilance following the riots in Sunderland on Thursday last week.

Many countries around the world, including the US, Germany and Denmark, issued travel advice to their citizens following riots in England in summer 2011 .

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Full list of countries issuing travel warnings to UK amid far-right riots

Nigeria, malaysia, kenya, australia, sweden, indonesia, the uae, india and hong kong have all sent out alerts, article bookmarked.

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Several countries have issued safety warnings to their citizens in the UK due to ongoing anti-immigration protests and riots .

Nigeria , Malaysia , Kenya , Australia , Sweden , Indonesia , the UAE , India and Hong Kong have all sent out alerts, advising their nationals living in or visiting the UK to stay away from demonstrations.

Hong Kong has become the latest of nine countries to issue a warning to citizens travelling to the UK following days of violent riots.

The HK government’s Security Bureau issued a warning saying: “Since late July 2024, protests and riots occurred across the United Kingdom, resulting in violent clashes.”

Hong Kong residents “who intend to visit the country or are already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid large gatherings of people and pay attention to local announcements,” the advice says.

Earlier, officials at the High Commission of India in London said they were “closely monitoring” the situation as they advised visitors from India to “stay vigilant and exercise due caution while travelling in the UK”.

Australia issued a similar warning and advised travellers to “avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence” as it urged people to “monitor the media for information and updates”.

Follow our live coverage of riots across the UK.

A post on the Embassy of Sweden website on 6 August told Swedes in Great Britain: “Since the beginning of August, riots have taken place in several British cities, motivated by xenophobia. It is strongly recommended to avoid large crowds.”

The UAE embassy in the UK also urged citizens to “exercise the highest level of caution” and “take the necessary precautions” in light of the unstable security situation.

Elsewhere, Kenya’s High Commission in London warned Kenyans residing in the UK on Twitter/X to “stay away from the protest areas” and “remain vigilant”.

A travel alert by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based in the capital Abuja, also stated that there is “an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK”, noting that “the violence has assumed dangerous proportions”.

It went on: “Demonstrations by far right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large, and in some instances unruly.”

The High Commission of Malaysia in London posted a message online on Sunday which read: “Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.”

It also “strongly encouraged” people to register with it to “receive timely information and assistance”.

The Indonesian embassy in London also issued a warning, advising its citizens in the UK to avoid large crowds and increase their vigilance.

Violence has broken out in several towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland following the killing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport last week (29 July).

Almost 500 people have been arrested after far-right riots rocked Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Hull, Belfast, Stoke and other cities across the UK this week.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast

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Guide to the United Kingdom: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to the United Kingdom: The Complete Guide

There’s a lot more to the United Kingdom than the usual list of top 10 London sights. For a start, there are four separate countries—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland   —each offering city and country pleasures, wilderness adventures, scenic villages, landmarks, free museums, and miles of challenging coastal paths. The food is a lot better than you may have heard as well. Use this guide to fill your trip with the best choices for you.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit :  Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit when the days are long, and there’s a good chance of mild, dry weather. Prices are lowest in January and February, but it’s also cold and wet. A lot of attractions are closed, but if you enjoy theater, museums and indoor activities, this is a way to visit on the cheap.

Language:  English. A lot of popular attractions offer tours or audio tours in European languages and Chinese.

Currency:  The pound sterling (£)

Getting Around:  Train service in the U.K. is very well developed and is the best way to get between cities and regions. Though bad weather and industrial action may interrupt services from time to time, the number and frequency of both long-distance, regional and local trains will amaze many North American travelers. Most fares are cheaper for off-peak travel and when bought in advance. The website National Rail Enquiries is a comprehensive online guide to times, prices, and service status across the country.

Long-distance buses (called coaches in the U.K.) are the cheapest way to get around. Since they use the country’s motorway system, they are also the most boring. One company, National Express , runs most of the intercity coaches, and four other large regional companies run networks of local services. Local buses provide short, practical everyday journeys, so the routes are not well coordinated between regions. But if you are interested in taking day trips from specific urban or tourism hubs, you may find buses—such as the Greenline buses between London and Windsor Castle —that serve the purpose. Traveline , a partnership between transport companies, local authorities, and passenger groups, has a website that can help you plan a trip using local resources.

Travel Tip:  Round trip tickets (called return fares) are often a more expensive way to buy bus and rail tickets than pairs of one-way tickets (called singles). Check before you buy.

Things to Do

The United Kingdom packs several thousand years of history and culture onto an island slightly smaller than Michigan. As you might imagine, there’s quite a lot to see and much of it is within easy day trips of major cities or transportation hubs. But a surprising amount is covered by vast wilderness areas. It’s easy to try to pack too much into a visit. Instead, try to focus your trip around a few themes:

• Day Trips from major cities. London in the Southeast and Edinburgh in central Scotland are both hubs of culture, centers for free museums, shopping, theatre, music, and dining out. They are also surrounded by areas rich in historical attractions and natural beauty, so they make excellent bases for day trips and short breaks.
• Spend time in a National Park. National parks protect landscapes, coasts, moors, and mountains. But they also contain working farms, quaint villages, castles and hundreds of ancient monuments. Try hiking the Lakeland Fells ( fells is a Scandinavian word for hills) in England's Lake District or marveling at the mountain views and clear mountain lakes in Snowdonia National Park in Wales (which is also full of castles). Walk through the South Downs’ grass-covered chalk hills. There’s skiing in Cairngorm National Park and pleasant walking and cycling trails in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs . Each national park offers something different.
• Shop in traditional markets. Some, like the permanent outdoor market in Norwich , or the covered markets in Oxford, Birmingham, and Leeds, haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. London has its share of wonderful markets too—from Borough Market for adventurous foodies, to Portobello Road, a vast, heaving antique market that’s a must.
• Catch up with Shakespeare in his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon . The Royal Shakespeare Company stages Bard’s works with surprising irreverence and imagination that’s hard to resist. There’s plenty to see and do, including visits to the Shakespeare family homes and Anne Hathaway’s cottage .
• Visit royal and traditional sites. There’s a good reason why Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle , Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are so popular with visitors. Try to visit these traditional sights outside of school vacation seasons, though.

What to Eat and Drink

Forget the clichés about awful British food . That’s ancient history. These days you’ll find nearly as many Michelin stars in London as in New York and lots more scattered all over the U.K . Whether you are talking about fine dining or neighborhood bistros, it’s easy to find modern European cuisine with vegetarian and even vegan options in most British cities and tourist destinations.

Outside of the main population centers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the picture is a bit more hit and miss. But there are some traditional British specialties you really should try.

• Sample a full British breakfast at least once. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland add regional touches to the classic eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and tomatoes breakfast. If you are on a tight budget, this breakfast will set you up for the whole day.
• Indulge in afternoon tea with all the trimmings—scones with jam and cream, crumpets, sandwiches, fresh cream cakes, and endless pots of tea.
• Try different regional ales on tap . They won’t be ice cold, but cellar temperature is still pretty cool.
• Fish and chips can be great —crispy and hot—or dire (greasy and lukewarm). Ask a local where to find the best.
• Eat seafood and shellfish in Scotland; it comes from cold North Atlantic and North Sea waters and is terrific. And if you are in Whitstable, have some oysters.
• It’s easy, and often cheaper, to find good quality ethnic food anywhere in Britain. Indian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese cuisines are widely available.

Where to Stay

Accommodations range from five-star luxury and glamping to international budget chains and vacation rentals, called self-catering in Britain. Some kinds of accommodations are particularly British and worth considering.

Consider a bed and breakfast, which range from fully-serviced guest houses to small inns. In rural areas, you may find rooms to rent in private homes. Or try a caravan; this is what Europeans call camper vans, and some caravan parks rent them like cottages. Bigger trailers in caravan parks are known as "statics." Country house hotels , which range from large comfortable houses to very grand country estates converted to luxury accommodations, are another option. Also, more and more pubs are offering boutique-style hotel rooms as an alternative style of accommodation.

Getting There

Visitors usually fly into the U.K. from North America through London’s main airports—Heathrow and Gatwick, or by charter flights to London Stansted and London City. There are public transportation options from Heathrow and Gatwick to central London.  

But the U.K. has quite a few more airports receiving international passengers with either direct or connecting flights from North American airports. Depending upon your ultimate destination, you could save money on ground transportation by flying into Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, East Midlands or Bristol Airport. Find out more about alternative U.K. destination airports.

Travelers from continental Europe can cross the English Channel by ferry, drive through the Channel Tunnel, or travel by Eurostar passenger train. There are also good connections—by air or boat, from Dublin or Belfast.

Money-Saving Tips

• Don't rent cars in cities. Wait until you've left London or other big cities. You'll save on parking fees and congestion charges (it costs 11.50 pounds a day to take a car into central London). Public transportation—buses, trolleys, and subways—are available in most major cities as are city bicycles, parked everywhere and easy to use with a credit card.
• Consider self-catering. That's what Europeans call vacation rentals. There's plenty of choices, ranging from short let apartments in cities, cottages, and village houses to rent. If you can't find what you want online, the local tourist authorities will have plenty of information.
• Take advantage of what's free. Almost all of Britain's essential museums are free to visit.   Historical attractions have reduced admissions for senior citizens and students.

The Commonwealth. " United Kingdom ."

Museums Association. " Frequently Asked Questions ."

A Complete Guide to British Currency

Best UK Travel Guides - Practical Guides for Touring in the UK

Pay-as-You-Go Cell Phones In London

National Rail Enquiries - How to Find the Best UK Train Times & Fares

Your Trip to Ireland: The Complete Guide

How to Travel From London to Dublin by Plane, Train, Bus, and Car

Visiting London? Download These 8 Apps Before You Go

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

Getting Around Britain - A Guide to Transportation Options

A Handy Guide to the Top British Department Stores

10 Great Reasons to Visit the United Kingdom

Use an Alternative UK International Airport to Save a Bundle

Pet Travel - Can I Bring My Dog With Me to the UK?

How to Travel from London to Leeds by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Travel From London to Glasgow by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

A Complete Guide to Every National Park in the UK

What other countries say about visiting the UK – as Australia issues travel warning amid riots

“Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence,” urges the official travel advice for Australian visitors to the UK .

“Monitor the media for information and updates. Follow the instructions of local authorities.”

Every nation that is a significant “source market” for tourists issues guidance to its citizens about the threats they face. The authorities in Canberra do not urge Australians to leave the UK immediately (as they do for Lebanon), but they warn of terrorism “motivated by Islamic extremism, extreme right-wing ideology [or] the status of Northern Ireland .

But some of the warnings and assertions by foreign powers may mystify those who live in the UK.

These are some of the more unusual aspects of life in Britain that travellers are warned about.

“Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia ,” the Canberra government says . Really? Like the devastating bushfires, dust storms, tropical cyclones, crocodiles, sharks and “venomous insects, spiders and snakes in many parts of the country” that the UK Foreign Office warns British travellers to Australia about?

“If you’re not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars upfront for medical care.” Not true; Australians have a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK.

Petty crime in the UK “happens more often in summer”, according to the advice. The Australian government adds: “Regular strikes can occur across several industries, including ambulance services, hospitals and public transport.”

“Exercise a high degree of caution,” the United Kingdom travel advice for Canadians begins. The reason: the threat of terrorism.

Three areas of central London are picked out as high-crime areas: Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square. “Avoid showing signs of affluence,” Canadians are advised.

For those who choose to drive, roads “are often narrow and congested”, while “parking in London and other major city centres is limited and expensive”.

“Irish citizens don’t require vaccinations for travel to Great Britain.” That’s a relief.

New Zealand

The Wellington government’s SafeTravel advic e begins by pointing out: “The UK has a long history of terrorist attacks which have caused multiple deaths and injuries.

“Terrorist groups, individuals returning to the United Kingdom and Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of violent extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in the United Kingdom.

“There is also an enduring threat of Northern Ireland-related terrorism.”

In terms of crime: “Petty crime such as bag and mobile phone snatching, pickpocketing and mugging is common, especially in urban centers, tourist locations and on public transport.”

United States

The US Embassy in London gives plenty of friendly travel advice to visiting Americans, for example on visiting Parliament on an organised tour or watching a debate in the House of Commons (for which US citizens require a Card of Introduction, obtainable from the embassy).

The State Department travel advice for the UK is less frivolous. Americans are warned: “The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.”

Many British people will be glad about that. But mobility is criticised: “Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven. Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.”

Finally, Americans are warned: “Beware of impostors posing as undercover police officers and ‘fining’ tourists’ for bogus minor offences.”

From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate – The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here .

UK riots latest: Thousands take part in anti-racism protests; petrol bomb thrown at mosque in 'racially motivated' incident

Police are on high alert this weekend amid concerns over more disorder breaking out as protests take place across the country. In Northern Ireland, police are investigating a "racially motivated" attack on a mosque.

Saturday 10 August 2024 23:00, UK

• Protesters gather outside Reform UK's London office
• Liverpool court hears how teenager stole £19,000 of vapes during riots
• Petrol bomb thrown at mosque in 'racially motivated' incident
• Impact of riots could be felt for years to come, warns justice secretary
• Tory councillor's wife remanded in custody over stirring up racial hatred online
• Listen: 'Unease and fear' - How Muslim communities feel about the riots
• Watch : Bodycam footage of Southport riot
• Watch : Pubgoers embrace Muslims 'defending their community'
• Analysis: The many reasons the far right stayed off streets
• Further reading : The men who've been jailed so far

That's all our coverage on this story for now. 

Thousands of anti-racism protesters have descended on cities across the country - outnumbering anti-immigration demonstrators for the fourth day in a row. 

Before we go, here's a recap of the main updates from the last 24 hours: 

• A court in Liverpool has heard how a 16-year-old stole £19,000 worth of vapes during riots in the city centre last week;
• A petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Northern Ireland in an incident described by police as racially motivated. The mosque in Newtownards, County Down, was attacked at around 1am, with graffiti sprayed on its front door;
• Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Tory councillor, has been remanded in custody ahead of a crown court appearance over publishing written material intended to stir up racial hatred;
• Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned the impact of the riots on the judicial system will be felt for years to come;
• The parents of six-year-old Bebe King, who was killed in the Southport stabbings, have paid tribute to their "precious daughter" and revealed her older sister saw the attack and escaped. 

Police have been granted enhanced stop and search powers in part of Yeovil tonight.

Avon and Somerset Police said the powers allow officers to search people who they consider "at risk of violence", without reasonable suspicion. 

The force said the technique has already resulted in arrests being made this evening. 

It comes after it reported a small number of people had gathered in the grounds of a church for a peaceful demonstration. 

Four men have been charged following the riots in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough last week. 

Cleveland Police said a 24-year-old man had been charged with burglary over the unrest in Middlesbrough last Sunday. 

Another 24 year-old was charged with violent disorder and a 27-year-old was charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker. 

A 19-year-old was charged with violent disorder in relation to the riots in Hartlepool on 31 July. 

All four men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear in court on Monday. 

The impact of the riots could be felt for months or years to come, the justice secretary has warned. 

Writing a piece for The Observer, Shabana Mahmood said the justice system has shown it can act swiftly, but its work has been made more difficult due to the state it was left in by the Conservatives. 

Courts have been working extended hours to deal with rioters who were charged by police during the week-long disorder. 

"The justice system has shown it can rise to this challenge. Should further criminality and disorder ensue, we will continue to deliver justice, until the last offender languishes in one of our jails," Ms Mahmood said. 

"But we must make no mistake. Rising to this challenge has been made harder by doing so within the justice system we inherited from the Conservatives." 

She pointed out that there are "record crown court backlogs" and prisons "close to overflowing". 

"The impact of these days of disorder will be felt for months and years to come. They make the job of rebuilding the justice system harder," she added. 

The parents of a six-year-old girl who was killed in the Southport stabbings have paid tribute to their "precious daughter" and revealed her older sister saw the attack and escaped.

Bebe King died along with nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, after the stabbings at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the Merseyside town on 29 July.

The deaths of the three girls sparked anti-immigration protests and riots across UK towns and cities after false information circulated on social media that the attacker was an illegal migrant.

In a statement issued by Merseyside Police, Bebe's parents Lauren and Ben said their daughter "was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore".

They revealed their nine-year-old older Genie witnessed the attack and managed to escape, saying: "She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her.

You can read more about this story here ...

Photos of three men have been released by police as they continue to investigate the disorder that broke out in Whitehall last week. 

Metropolitan Police said more than 100 arrests were made at the protest on Wednesday 31 July. 

However, in the days that followed, a huge amount of footage and other evidence has been reviewed to try to identify outstanding suspects, it added. 

It urged people who recognise any of the three men to get in touch or contact Crimestoppers. 

Sky News understands Sir Keir Starmer has cancelled his holiday as protests continue to take place across the country. 

Thousands of police officers have remained on duty today in case violence flared again. 

But, for a fourth day in a row, anti-racism protesters far outnumbered far-right demonstrators in several areas. 

A dispersal order has been enforced in Liverpool city centre today and will remain in place for 48 hours. 

It also covers parts of Everton, Kensington, Vauxhall and Kirkdale. 

Merseyside Police said it had been introduced "following incidents of disorder". 

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Chris Taylor said: "This order will give officers on the ground the ability to direct people suspected of being involved in or planning criminality to leave the designated area for a period of 48 hours, and to arrest them if they return." 

A Section 60 order, which gives officers enhanced stop and search powers, is already in place in the area. 

"Both orders are extra tools at our disposal to help keep the public safe, and highly visible police patrols will enforce them in the next 48 hours," Mr Taylor said. 

A total of 779 people have been arrested over rioting, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has said. 

Of those, 349 have been charged, it added. 

Suspected rioters have continued to appear in court today, including the wife of a Tory councillor who has been accused of publishing written material intended to stir up racial hatred.

Lucy Connolly, 41, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning and did not enter a plea.

The NPCC said specialist officers have been tasked with pursuing suspected online offenders and so-called influencers, who they say are responsible for "spreading hate and inciting violence on a large scale".

Across the country, teams have been investigating "hundreds of leads".

"This abhorrent activity didn't happen by itself. Large crowds and gatherings didn't mobilise spontaneously," said Chief Constable Chris Haward, the NPCC lead for serious and organised crime. 

"It was the result of dozens of so-called influencers, exploiting the outpouring of grief from the tragic loss of three young girls in Southport.

"They knowingly spread misinformation, stoked the flames of hatred and division and incited violence from the comfort of their own homes, causing chaos on other people's doorsteps."

The leader of Newcastle City Council has said he is "angry" that some residents were made to "feel unsafe" by "right wing agitators". 

In a post on Facebook, Councillor Nick Kemp praised police for their work in the city, and urged people to stay "united". 

Protests organised by Enough Is Enough have been taking place today, but passed without any violence or disorder breaking out.

"Northumbria Police have done a phenomenal job in preparing for today and their swift actions throughout the entire week have acted as a deterrent," Cllr Kemp said. 

"Across the country, we have seen right wing agitators looking to divide our city and sow seeds of hatred. Today, Newcastle showed them what we are about.

"However, I am angry that they have made some of our residents feel unsafe. That their actions have caused doubt among those who call our city home."

You can read his full statement below... 

We are here, we are listening, and we are ready to act 🤝 That is the message from our Leader, Cllr Nick Kemp, who says... Posted by Newcastle City Council on  Saturday, August 10, 2024

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Japan Warns of Elevated Risk of Giant Earthquake After Strong One Hits

The official warning came after a 7.1-magnitude temblor struck off the coast of southern Japan on Thursday.

Strong Earthquake Hits Southern Japan

Shake intensity.

By River Akira Davis Kiuko Notoya Hisako Ueno and Victoria Kim

River Akira Davis, Kiuko Notoya and Hisako Ueno reported from Tokyo, and Victoria Kim from Seoul.

Japan’s meteorological agency said on Thursday that there was a higher-than-usual chance that an immense earthquake could hit the country in the next few days, following a 7.1-magnitude temblor off the southern island of Kyushu.

Japan has long expected a major earthquake to occur along the Nankai Trough off its eastern coast. As of last year, researchers said there was a 60 percent chance that an earthquake of magnitude 8 to 9 — even more devastating than the one in 2011 that laid waste to the country’s northeast coast and knocked out cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant — would occur in the trough area over the next 20 years.

After the 7.1-magnitude quake on Thursday, Japan’s meteorological agency convened a group of experts to evaluate whether it could be related to the long-anticipated bigger disaster, called a “Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake.”

Experts warn that an earthquake between two tectonic plates that converge along the Nankai megathrust fault, which runs from Kyushu north through Tokyo, could cause devastation. It could extensively damage cities throughout Japan, potentially cause a tsunami and lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths.

“The possibility of a large-scale earthquake occurring in the area of ​​the Nankai Trough is relatively higher than usual,” the meteorological agency said in a statement late Thursday.

The risk that an earthquake of magnitude of 8 or higher would occur after one with a magnitude of 7 is particularly elevated for about a week after the initial temblor, the agency said.

Japan’s meteorological agency issued a “caution” level of warning on Thursday. The next step up would be an “alert,” which would advise residents to evacuate from areas deemed a tsunami risk. The agency said it was the first time Japan had issued a “caution.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged people to ensure that they were ready at all times in case an earthquake occurred and they had to evacuate. He told reporters that the government was on high alert.

Earlier on Thursday, a tsunami advisory was issued for coastal regions on the southern Japanese islands of Kyushu and Shikoku after the 7.1-magnitude quake. As of late Thursday evening, the maximum height of waves recorded reached about a foot and a half off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu.

A handful of injuries but no deaths were reported related to the earthquake. Footage showed images of strong shaking in buildings in Miyazaki Prefecture, but damage in the area appeared to be minimal. The earthquake occurred less than 20 miles off the coast of Miyazaki, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Bullet train service was temporarily halted on Kyushu, and the Miyazaki Airport suspended takeoffs and landings to inspect runways for any damage. Both bullet train and airport operations resumed later Thursday evening.

The Kyushu Electric Power Company said its nuclear power plants were operating normally.

Separate from the heightened possibility of a Nankai Trough earthquake, Japan’s meteorological agency advised being alert for aftershocks of a similar magnitude off the eastern coast of Miyazaki Prefecture over the next week. It said that landslides could also be a risk if there is rain in the coming days.

An earlier version of this article used an incorrect map showing an earthquake on Japan’s west coast. The earthquakes occurred on Japan’s east coast.

How we handle corrections

River Akira Davis covers Japan, including its economy and businesses, and is based in Tokyo. More about River Akira Davis

Kiuko Notoya is a Tokyo-based reporter and researcher, covering news and features from Japan. More about Kiuko Notoya

Hisako Ueno is a reporter and researcher based in Tokyo, writing on Japanese politics, business, labor, gender and culture. More about Hisako Ueno

Victoria Kim is a reporter based in Seoul and focuses on breaking news coverage across the world. More about Victoria Kim

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UK riots: Why are far-right groups attacking immigrants and Muslims?

Police arrest hundreds as chaos fuelled by hate and misinformation grips the United Kingdom in the aftermath of a tragic stabbing attack.

As riots continue to rage in the United Kingdom, hotels housing asylum seekers have been torched by far-right agitators.

The Holiday Inn Express hotel in Tamworth, in northern England, was set alight. Rioters also gathered near the Holiday Inn Express hotel used to house asylum seekers in Rotherham. Both incidents took place on Sunday.

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Protests led by far-right groups have escalated into clashes with police in multiple towns, as a wave of unrest, fuelled by xenophobia and misinformation surrounding the tragic killing of three young girls in a stabbing incident, sweeps across the country. About 400 people have been arrested.

“I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, either directly or those whipping up this disorder online,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a televised address on Sunday. He has cast the riots as “organised illegal thuggery” by a minority of Britons.

In the grips of a sixth day of violence, Downing Street held a Cabinet Office briefing room (Cobra) emergency meeting.

Here’s what you should know:

What led to this moment?

Last week, during a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga workshop at a community centre in Southport, England, three young girls were stabbed to death by a 17-year-old suspect, Axel Rudakubana. He was born in Cardiff, the Welsh capital, reportedly to Christian Rwandan parents.

False information on social media claimed the suspect was a Muslim immigrant.

Those rioting are vocal about their hatred of immigrants. But there is also a sense of underlying xenophobia against minority communities in the UK, especially Muslims, said analysts.

Rosa Freedman, a professor at the University of Reading, told Al Jazeera that the riots were a result of the former Conservative government’s complicity with such “racist” far-right groups.

“Instead of hiding their faces, they have now been coming out … we cannot blame a Labour Party that has [only] been in government [for] the past four weeks,” she said.

Meanwhile, agitators like Tommy Robinson are stoking tensions.

Born Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, the far-right activist and co-founder of the English Defence League (EDL), has been busy posting inflammatory video rants to his 800,000 followers on X, decrying Muslims, migrants, the political establishment and police.

He’s posting from afar, reportedly in Cyprus. A High Court judge issued an arrest warrant for Robinson after he failed to appear at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday for a hearing in a contempt of libel court case he lost against Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi.

Influencer Andrew Tate, who has suggested the Southport suspect arrived in the UK on a boat, and MP Nigel Farage, more on him later, are also accused of stirring division.

Where are the riots?

In multiple cities and towns across the country.

In addition to Southport, Rotherham and Tamworth, clashes have also been reported in Manchester, Liverpool, Belfast in Northern Ireland, and other cities.

Posts are swirling on social media describing other planned far-right events. Al Jazeera could not independently verify these claims.

What has the government said?

Prime Minister Starmer said he “utterly” condemns “far-right thuggery”.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated in a recent interview with Sky News: “There will be people who were thinking they were going on their summer holidays this week, and instead they will face a knock on the door from the police.”

Nigel Farage, the anti-immigration leader of the populist movement Reform UK who is now a sitting MP, has stoked tensions. In May, he suggested Muslims do not share British values.

“What you’ve seen on the streets of Hartlepool, London or Southport is nothing compared to what could happen over the course of the next few weeks,” Farage said recently.

He’s also justified the riots.

“The far right are a reaction to fear, to discomfort, to unease that is out there shared by tens of millions of people,” he said.

Neil Basu, the UK’s former head of counter-terrorism policing, has accused Farage of not going far enough to condemn the violence.

“Has Nigel Farage condemned the violence? Has he condemned the EDL? Fomenting discord in society is what these people seem to exist for,” Basu stated.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson promised consequences and action against those responsible for the disorder and violence in the streets.

“When I saw people looting some of the shops in the city centre, that’s nothing to do with genuine protest or people having different opinions about immigration,” Johnson said.

What’s next?

Police and officials are telling the public that perpetrators of violence and abuse will be punished. Meanwhile, ethnic minority and migrant communities are becoming more fearful.

In a recent news conference, South Yorkshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield stated, “If you were there, we will find you and you will be held accountable for yesterday’s violence.”

Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott said on X, “Nationwide anti-immigrant riots on a scale never seen before. Threatening life, property and our police force. We need to recall Parliament.”

Dame Sara Khan, an independent adviser for the review into social cohesion and resilience against extremism, told the Guardian that “extremist and cohesion threats are worsening”.

“Our country is woefully unprepared,” she said. “We’ve got a gap in our legislation which is allowing these extremists to operate with impunity.”

UK's Starmer scraps holiday to focus on response to riots

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Greek wildfire spreads to edge of Athens; towns, hospitals evacuated

A fast-moving wildfire fuelled by gale-force winds spread to the edge of Athens on Monday, torching trees, houses and cars and forcing evacuations of several hospitals and a dozen towns and villages, Greek authorities said.