Reform UK MP Lee Anderson, known for his no-nonsense approach, visited France's largest migrant camp near Dunkirk, a sprawling site that has grown significantly since his last visit three years prior. The camp, located beside a flyover at Grande-Synthe, now features hundreds of tents spread over acres of waste ground and copses, with a makeshift 'town centre' containing 50 portable toilets. Hundreds of migrants, including a rising number of women and children, queued for free food provided at the site.
During his visit, Anderson offered a packet of mints to a young boy, who then asked the politician to help put out a nearby fire. While the fire was extinguished by a fire engine, the interaction highlighted the challenging conditions within the camp. Anderson noted the presence of stalls selling meals, SIM cards, and phone chargers.
Anderson also engaged with some of the camp's occupants. One Somali migrant, Hassan, 22, became aggressive, verbally threatening security and Anderson. Hassan stated his intention to travel to Britain, having paid €1,200 (£1,000) for the journey and expressing a desire for a normal life. Anderson reflected on the situation, expressing empathy for Hassan's circumstances but also concern about potential trouble and costs to the UK.
Another migrant, Amir, 32, who claimed to have fled violent Iraqi militias and left his family in Istanbul, told Anderson he was preparing to cross to England. When asked why he wouldn't stay in France or Turkey, Amir stated he had no prospects for papers in France and his family would not accept him in Turkey. He described the Channel crossing as a better alternative to dying in Iraq.
Despite moments of apparent empathy, Anderson remained firm in his belief that illegal crossings must be stopped. He criticized charities supporting migrants, referring to the trade as "multi-billion pound." This visit occurred shortly after Reform UK announced its policy, 'Operation Fortress,' which proposes using the Royal Navy to turn back migrant boats, a plan France has rejected.
The challenges of deterring migrants were underscored as the Reform media minibus prepared to depart. A migrant repeatedly attempted to enter the vehicle, asking to be taken to London. Security personnel struggled to dissuade him until the doors were shut and the bus drove away quickly. The incident illustrated the difficulties of preventing migrants from attempting to reach the UK, even with direct intervention.
