Reform UK Chairman Lee Anderson has voiced strong criticism of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) assisting migrants in France, describing their efforts as a "crib-sheet on how to cross the English Channel safely." Anderson made these remarks during a visit to migrant camps and beaches near Grande-Synthe, close to Dunkirk, on the second day of his party's tour.
Anderson presented a leaflet distributed by a charity to migrants, which he stated contains instructions on safe Channel crossings, including tide checks and advice against swimming. He noted the leaflet includes a QR code leading to a website with multilingual cartoons demonstrating how to obtain refugee status in the UK, which he claims have garnered over 65,000 views. "This is the sort of stuff the NGOs are handing around in the camps… things like 'Don't go when it's windy,' it's got a tide check, 'Don't attempt to swim in the Channel,'" Anderson stated.
He further accused NGOs of being complicit in people smuggling operations, asserting they encourage migrants by providing aid and hope for a better life in the UK. "For me, they are the biggest part of the problem, literally encouraging people to set up this camp, they're feeding them… they're giving them hope – hope that they can come to a better life in the UK, and that, unfortunately, is costing lots of lives in the Channel," he said.
Anderson also expressed frustration with French police, alleging they focused more attention on his Reform UK group than on intercepting migrants crossing the Channel. His group, consisting of security personnel, drivers, a video crew, journalists, and party staff, reportedly attracted suspicion due to its size and composition. Anderson himself was asked to provide identification by French police multiple times during the visit. He noted that the group traveled in rugged vehicles and wore "press" vests, though he acknowledged that only a few were actual journalists.
Despite the challenges and scrutiny, Anderson and his group completed their visit. The group experienced a delay upon returning to the UK via the Channel Tunnel, requiring double passport checks. Earlier, their minibus suffered a flat tire near the migrant camp, necessitating the purchase of a new jack to continue their journey. The tour aimed to highlight the ongoing migrant crossings and the role of aid organizations in facilitating them, according to Anderson's statements.