French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve is in Calais to meet with local officials to discuss ways of averting the blockade.
Advertisement
Natacha Bouchart, Calais’ mayor, said she had received assurances after meeting Cazeneuve that the camp would be dismantled in one go, although he had given no timeframe.
According to local authorities, some 7,000 asylum seekers are living in the remaining northern half of the camp, up from 4,500 recorded in June.
He said the government will “proceed with great determination” to evacuate the camp where about 6,900 migrants are now living. According to the police, in addition to the poor living conditions, theft and quarrels among other crimes are registered in the camp, while the security forces are having a very hard time in controlling the situation.
The migrants gather in Calais hoping to smuggle themselves aboard lorries that cross the Channel to Britain either through the Eurotunnel or on board ferries.
The Jungle slum’s southern section was dismantled earlier this year in a bid to reduce numbers.
Calais residents are due to stage a protest on Monday over the effect the presence of thousands of migrants has had on their livelihoods.
Mr Burnett said: “It appears that the proposals made by the minister were not enough to placate local Calais businesses and hauliers”.
Crowding at the camp is causing fresh tensions.
With overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions, food shortages and a rise in the number of violent attacks on lorry drivers heading to the United Kingdom, there is growing tension in Calais and politicians from all parties are seizing on the seemingly intractable problem of how to deal with refugees and migrants trapped in France hoping to reach England.
The government should also encourage the requisitioning of public buildings to house migrants, he said. Some have suggested the camp could be dismantled by the end of the year.
Britain’s interior ministry could not immediately be reached for comment.
“This needs to be done in steps, starting by creating housing in France to unblock Calais”, he said in the interview.
“The English should examine the requests of all those who want to go to England and they should do it in England”, he said last Saturday.
He said: “By persevering and being methodical in the implementation of these measures, we will find an efficient, long term solution for the current crisis faced by the city of Calais”.
Advertisement
Home Secretary Amber Rudd issued a statement after the attack, calling it: “extremely concerning”.
