Would you go to London

[limey234]

We have a tourist trip booked in half term. Lots of museums, the tube, shops, tourist destinations with our two kids (under 7).

Would you go? Given the situation in the world right now.

My husband barely watches or reads any news. He doesn't understand why I'm nervous.

I think we should postpone it. I'm a bit nervous of being caught up in a protest, or other activity.

Indeed when I say London I mean zone 1. I mean tour of the city in one of those buses, London eye, Big Ben, museums, Covent Garden, Lego store, hamleys.

Of course I know London is more than that but I really meant central. I would feel safer in Wimbledon or one of the outer areas.

@Thepeopleversuswork

Yes, but people who are visiting London are largely within Z1.

When people got to Manhattan they do not say they are going to Manhattan; they are going to New York! Same for London.

Whether is it ridiculous for people outwith London to tar the whole city with the same brush as z1 is irrelevant.

When people talk about visiting London and say “oh no I couldn’t do it, too crowded, too dirty, too dangerous”

That is valid because they are tourists… why would the typical tourist be visiting Greater London unless they have friends/family there?

They are talking about the areas/attractions London is famous for.

As for people saying they couldn’t live there, again even if they live further out they will have to at some point visit the inner city, or maybe they really value what’s in the inner city but don’t like how busy it is etc.

An opinion to like/dislike a place is equally valid.

15% of the population live in London and a great many more visit. So it’s hardly the case there is a dominant negative opinion.

It’s a case of you can’t please everybody.

“crowded, too dirty, too dangerous” because of all the zillions of tourists!

@BabyStopCryin

Well exactly.

But they contribute 11.6% to the economy in London, 700k jobs and tourism/night time economy contributes 36bn to the London economy overall…

So, I guess you have to take the rough with the smooth.

I live in Central London and even here there are whole areas that aren't attractive to tourists. One street over from the tourist attraction, usually!

Tourism does not "contribute." Tourists overwhelm facilities that taxpayers provide or subsidize but profit goes to a few hotel owners and others and the jobs the industry provides are low-paid and unstable.

The shops on my local ‘high st’ are now mostly tourist tat and ‘American Candy store’ shops.

I can’t say I see a benefit from this - and the air b&b-era in my block who can’t tell the food recycling bin from the ordinary black bins, and leave the main door wedged open (for the sodding thieves to wander in and pinch mail, and have loud parties…

I drive in London everyday to go work as and basically live in london. You will be fine enjoy your trip

@limey234

If you don't feel comfortable going, don't go. Personally I wouldn't feel great about it either. It isn't a essential trip after all and you are concerned about putting your children in danger.

Interesting that the USA has just issued a worldwide caution for its citizens. I'm not sure when that happened last but that is worrying. Maybe my concerns about visiting tourist places in London was not so crazy after all...

Our half term was this week, we went to London on Monday (live in the midlands), on an open top bus, harrods, hamleys and to see a musical. Go and have fun!

London's got far more dangers going on, all of which are still statistically low

@roberta12345 the worldwide caution is odd really as presumably it will apply to the US too so basically be vigilant wherever you go. Even if you are in your home country be careful?

Posting here what I posted on the other thread:

The UK government is itching for a terrorist attack here.

Rishi is doing photo ops in Israel saying he hopes ‘Israel wins’ (what does ‘winning’ look like Helicopter boy?) It’s not a game of football. We should be aiming for both sides to come together for a long term solution that works for both, not a win/lose.

Gove is bringing a bill to parliament to ban anyone from boycotting Israel next week as if that won’t heighten an already sensitive situation.

Suella wants to arrest anyone in possession of a Palestinian flag.

Robert ’Painter and Decorator’ Jenrick wants to defund the BBC because they stated Israel may have hit the hospital.

Home Office spokesman says Islam biggest problem in UK and multiculturalism has caused antisemitism (I thought Judaism was part of multiculturalism?)

Are these people devoid of common sense, sensitivity, ability to think things through?

Do they want shit to kick off here so they can play the big statesman?

This is a complex situation and time for very very cool heads. Not people aiming to take a side in a Twitter war. As a British citizen I want grownups in the room, not people seeking to get a headline.

When a nutter decides to blow some of our loved ones up, Rishi and co will claim shock and anger but they are pulling us in this direction.