Share

Britain, France Ask EU to Take Act on Calais Migrant Crisis

The people, who broke down several security fences late Saturday, were forced to retreat by riot police as they attempted to breach the final fence near the entrance of the 30-mile tunnel under the English Channel.

Advertisement

It comes amid reports in France of another 1,700 attempts to reach the Channel Tunnel last night. “That’s why we’ve seen so many deaths in recent months”, our correspondent said.

Britain has an opt-out on EU migration policy, however Ireland, which has the same set-up, agreed to take part in the relocation scheme.

The new measures sent “a clear message”, according to Cazeneuve and May.

The Government will also consult on repealing Section 4(2), while ensuring that adequate support remains for “those who genuinely need it”, for example in cases where real obstacles are preventing their departure from the UK.

Chief executive Richard Burnett, who is now visiting Calais, warned that the current situation in Calais and the surrounding area could become a disaster.

The first stage of the extra fencing at Coquelles will be completed this weekend, with the remainder – provided by Eurotunnel – by the end of this week.

The prime minister’s official spokeswoman stressed there was “no evidence” all of those leaving Calais were reaching the UK, adding that there is “anecdotal evidence” suggesting some seek opportunities elsewhere in France or in Europe.

It potentially indicates that as many as around 3,500 of the estimated 5,000 migrants in Calais could be making it across the Channel.

The European Union is offering funds and aid to help France cope with growing numbers of migrants near the northern city of Calais.

What we are facing is a global migration crisis.

In their joint statement in the Sunday Telegraph, the pair said the problem can not just be seen as an issue for “our two countries”.

Migrants in France made hundreds of attempts overnight to penetrate the Channel Tunnel to get to Britain, a police source said Tuesday, as an unidentified “anomaly” in the tunnel slowed traffic. “That is why we are pushing other member states – and the whole of the EU – to address this problem at root”, they wrote. But they said it is important to break the link between “crossing the Mediterranean and achieving settlement in Europe”. Together, we are now returning 200 migrants every month who have no right to asylum.

Prime Minister David Cameron drew widespread condemnation last week after he vowed that Britain will deport more illegal migrants “so people know it’s not a safe haven”.

Advertisement

Communities secretary Greg Clark said, “We are determined to crack down on rogue landlords who make money out of illegal immigration – exploiting vulnerable people and undermining our immigration system”.

Calais migrants and British money