Reform UK MP Lee Anderson visited a large migrant camp in Grande-Synthe, northern France, a location he had not seen in three years. The camp, situated near an overpass and described as having grown significantly, now hosts hundreds of tents spread across acres of land. It features a makeshift 'town centre' with portable toilets, and stalls selling food, SIM cards, and other items. While many of the occupants are young men, Anderson observed an increasing number of women and children.
During his visit, Anderson offered a packet of Smints to a young boy, who then asked the politician to extinguish a nearby rubbish fire. A fire engine arrived shortly after to put out the blaze. Later, Anderson engaged with Hassan, a 22-year-old from Somalia, who expressed a strong desire to reach the UK, having paid €1,200 for passage. Hassan became aggressive, threatening security personnel and Anderson, and stated his intention to go to Scotland for a "normal life."
Anderson also spoke with Amir, 32, who claimed to have fled violent militias in Iraq and was preparing to cross to England. When asked why he did not stay in France or Turkey, Amir stated he could not obtain papers in France and his family would not be accepted in Turkey. He also expressed a willingness to risk the dangerous Channel crossing, saying, "I would rather die in the water than die in Iraq."
Towards the end of the visit, as the Reform media minibus prepared to depart, a migrant attempted to board the vehicle, repeatedly asking to be taken to London. Security personnel struggled to dissuade him until the doors were shut and the vehicle drove away.
Anderson's visit coincided with Reform UK's announcement of 'Operation Fortress,' a plan to stop migrant crossings using a Royal Navy force. France has previously rejected such proposals.