FCO WORLD CUP WARM UP

Download Quicktime Video courtesy of ITN Productions

Download Flash Video courtesy of ITN Productions

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has this week run an emergency planning exercise in South Africa in preparation for the 2010 Football World Cup.  Staff at the British High Commission in Pretoria along with staff from the Crisis response centre in London responded to a simulated coach crash scenario to ensure adequate procedures are firmly in place to provide assistance to British nationals in the event of a real emergency.

Staff learnt of the crash via an imitation news report (downloads videos above) that was played in the High Commission and immediately implemented crisis plans. The team also re-located to the crash site to provide on the ground assistance to people involved in the incident.

With thousands of England football fans expected to travel to South Africa later this year to watch the World Cup tournament, work is taking place behind-the-scenes by Foreign Office staff in partnership with the authorities in South Africa to ensure visiting fans have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Chris Bryant, Foreign and Commonwealth Minister, said: “For many months our staff have been working to minimise the safety and security risks for England fans heading to South Africa. This is common practice for any major event held overseas attended by large numbers of British nationals. It is important to plan so that we are fully prepared to react to any situation and support British nationals in the event of an emergency.”

The FCO will continue close co-operation with the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee in South Africa, as well as the South African police in the run-up to the tournament.  Any England fans planning to travel to South Africa for the World Cup should visit www.fco.gov.uk/worldcup for specific travel advice.