Authorities in the United Kingdom and France are on heightened alert for similar attempts and have acknowledged that the extra security at Calais has made many migrants increasingly desperate and willing to risk their lives.
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Organisers of the convoy on Friday (June 17) called the last minute ban by French authorities a “disgrace”.
Steve Sweeney, spokesman for the People’s Assembly, said they had been told it was “unlikely” they would be allowed to cross, due to heightened security in France.
It added: “In these circumstances, the Prefect of Pas-de-Calais considered only the prohibition of any event is likely to effectively prevent public disorders that may occur”.
Sending solidarity to @pplsassembly #ConvoytoCalais.
“The Port of Dover apologises for temporary disruption – will get you on your way as quickly as poss”.
A number of other members of the convoy are said to be on their way to the French embassy in London to carry out a further protest. “If the authorities still refuse to let us cross the Channel we will be holding a protest in Dover”.
Clare Moseley, a volunteer for the charity, said organisers had offered to receive the convoy 30 miles away from “The Jungle” camp to assuage any concerns but were refused.
After gathering near Parliament, the convoy set off for Dover at around 0900 GMT and organisers said they were hoping to reach northern France by ferry at around 1400 GMT.
“We are desperate for donations at the moment, we are struggling to cope”, she added.
There are now more than 5,000 migrants camped out around the French port.
She said: “There are more than 6,000 people here and more are arriving every day”.
The French government has installed accommodation for refugee families using converted shipping containers on the site but the facility can only hold 1,400 people.
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Around 4,000 migrants, mainly from Afghanistan and Sudan, live in the Jungle camp in Calais, according to an official estimate from April.
