Reform UK Chairman Lee Anderson has voiced strong criticism of a leaflet distributed by a charity to migrants in northern France, describing it as a "crib-sheet on how to cross the English Channel safely." Anderson, on the second day of his party's tour of migrant camps and beaches near Dunkirk, expressed dismay at the information provided, which he claims includes advice on tide times and safe crossing methods.
Anderson stated that the leaflet, available in 16 languages including English, directs migrants to a website featuring online cartoons that illustrate how to claim asylum in Britain. He noted that these cartoons have been viewed over 65,000 times. The Reform politician characterized the aid provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as actively encouraging illegal immigration and contributing to a "trade in people's lives."
"I think the police are complicit in this as well – and the NGOs, for me, are the biggest part of the problem, literally encouraging people to set up this camp, they're feeding them…" Anderson said. While acknowledging the humanitarian aspect of providing food and water, he argued that such actions give migrants false hope of a better life in the UK, which he believes leads to tragic outcomes in the Channel.
Anderson also raised concerns about the attention he and his group received from French police. He reported being asked for identification three times within 24 hours, suggesting that law enforcement was focused on his group rather than preventing Channel crossings. The Reform delegation, comprising security personnel, drivers, video crews, and journalists, attracted significant attention, leading to enhanced scrutiny at French and English passport control upon their return.
During the tour, Anderson and his party were reportedly asked to leave areas by French police. He contrasted his group's experience with that of the migrants, stating, "The camp will be full of criminals there, but we're the people who entered this country legally two days ago – it's us that's been treated like criminals." The group faced minor logistical issues, including a flat tire on their minibus, which delayed their return journey.