Urgent
Ref: DL/SH/14-11-2015
Important information for students in Paris
Following last night’s attacks in Paris, in which at least 120 people have been killed, France
has declared a state of national emergency. As Warwick students in Paris, we wanted to
contact you to let you know that your welfare is our main priority. If you wish to speak to
anyone about your safety or welfare, please contact your Personal Tutor in the first instance,
or you can contact David Lees (d.w.lees@warwick.ac.uk), Pierre-Philippe Fraiture (pp.fraiture@warwick.ac.uk) or Cathy Hampton (c.m.hampton@warwick.ac.uk).
Public transport will be severely limited today (Saturday 14th November 2015) and the advice
of the French government at present is to stay indoors. If you have to leave your
accommodation for whatever reason, please take extra care when travelling (especially on
public transport) and when spending time in public areas (this includes shops, supermarkets,
museums and other public areas). You may wish to travel in groups or pairs and always
ensure that a trusted person has your mobile number or other emergency contact number.
The situation in Paris is still fluid and it is very important that you take extra care when
working and travelling around the city.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued the following advice:
‘British nationals are advised to exercise caution in public places and follow the
advice of the local authorities. French Government advice is currently to stay indoors.
Systematic border control checks have been implemented at all entry points into
France. On Saturday 14 November 11 stations on Paris Metro lines 3,5,8,9 will be
closed along with bus services crossing the 10th and 11th arrondissements.
Members of the public who have been directly affected by the incidents in Paris, or
who are concerned about family members and friends who may be directly affected
can call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 0000.’
As you may have seen, the French government has now placed greater restrictions on
border checks coming in and out of France. If you are planning to travel back to the UK in
the near future, you may wish to plan for the likely extra time it may take to go through
security checks.
Please do get in touch with your Personal Tutor or other Warwick contact if you wish to
discuss your safety or your welfare during this difficult time.
With best wishes
Professor Seán Hand
Head of the School of Modern Languages & Cultures