Lib Dems call for American Embassy to be financially liable for any British fans turned away at World Cup

EMBARGO: Immediate Release 

Lib Dems call for American Embassy to be financially liable for any British fans turned away at World Cup

The Liberal Democrats have today called on the US Embassy to commit to reimbursing England and Scotland fans for the full cost of travel and tickets if they are unfairly denied entry due to social media posts during this summer’s World Cup.

With thousands of Three Lions and Tartan Army supporters set to travel to North America in June, concerns are mounting over the consistency of US entry requirements and the potential for arbitrary denials at the border.

The Liberal Democrats argue that the US government must provide financial recourse for fans who have spent thousands of pounds on flights, accommodation, and tickets, only to be refused through Trump’s border directives.

The party’s DCMS spokesperson, Anna Sabine, pushed the Government in the House of Commons on what urgent representations are being made to US counterparts to protect British fans from being fleeced by US border policies. The party is calling on the Government to stop watching from the sidelines and ensure that "football coming home" doesn't mean our fans being sent home at the first hurdle.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, Anna Sabine MP, said:

“England fans save up for years to support our country - they should not be left out of pocket because of the unpredictable actions of Donald Trump and US border policies.

“If the US Embassy and their border authorities fail to provide a smooth and fair entry process then it is only right that they pick up the tab.

“For a President who claims to champion free speech and individual freedoms, the idea that publicly disagreeing with him could be enough to deny someone entry makes a total mockery of those very values.

“Football fans should not be forced to pay the price for political decisions , or for one man’s fragile ego.”

ENDS