UK envoy regrets that Filipinos were victims of England riots

The United Kingdom’s ambassador to the Philippines, Stephen Lillie, on Friday expressed his “shock and regret” at the injuries and damages to property suffered by three Filipinos during the riots that erupted in different parts England this week.

“We are appalled by the scenes that have unfolded in our communities, and I am especially shocked that innocent Filipino residents have become caught up in it,” Lille said in a statement issued by the British Embassy in Manila.

The UK embassy said it was keeping close contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs, while the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, is in touch with the Philippine Embassy in London to monitor the safety of Filipinos in the affected areas, and to help follow up with the police.

“This morning I spoke personally to the DFA to convey our shock at what had happened to the three Filipinos, our sympathy, and the British Government’s concern for them. I underlined the Prime Minister’s personal concern for the victims of the violence, and said we fully shared the DFA’s hope that the perpetrators of these crimes would be brought to justice. I asked that our concern be conveyed to the President,” Lille said.

According to the DFA, one Filipino was hospitalized when he was beaten up while the vehicle of another was stolen by rioters. A shop owned by another Filipino was also damaged.

Lille said the British government had outlined a package of measures that would help communities affected by the riots to get back on their feet.

“The UK government will meet the immediate costs of emergency accommodation for families made homeless by these disturbances. And any individual, homeowner or business who has suffered damage to their buildings or property as a result of the rioting can seek compensation under the Riot Damages Act,” Lille said.

Lille also echoed Prime Minister David Cameron and other UK leaders’ condemnation of the riots and violence that erupted in London and major cities beginning August 6.

“We completely condemn the acts of criminality witnessed during the past week. We will do whatever it takes to restore law and order and to rebuild our communities. Our Prime Minister has made it clear that we are leaving no stone unturned to achieve this,” the envoy said.