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We don’t want any more Jungles says FTA
[ February 26, 2016 // Chris ]The Freight Transport Association says a French court ruling allowing part of the Calais ‘Jungle’ migrant camp to be cleared is a step in the right direction, but not the complete solution. In particular, it urged the authorities not to allow similar camps to spring up elsewhere. There has been a reported upsurge in stowaway attempts in other ports such as Zeebrugge.
A court in Lille ruled on 25 February that the eviction of the camp was legal.
The Jungle is home to around 5,000 migrants, most of them seemingly looking to cross the Channel to reach Britain. FTA members have reported an increase in violence and unrest with migrants attacking lorries and drivers and many are advising drivers not to stop on the approach to the port and Eurotunnel.
FTA’s head of European policy, Pauline Bastidon, said: “FTA welcomes the decision to start clearing the Jungle camp in Calais. We appreciate the need for careful consideration – as the clearance of the camp could be seen as violating the fundamental rights of the migrants. However, considerations should also be given to the rights of our members to go about their work without fear of violence or intimidation.”
FTA acknowledged the progress made in recent months to increase security with fencing around the Calais area, but is urging the French and UK authorities to progress in the completion of secure truck parking facilities and the registration of migrants as a matter of urgency.
Ms Bastidon added: “FTA would like to avoid the emergence of a Calais situation elsewhere in Europe, with similar migrant camps emerging in other ports. While this is being seen as a local issue in the Calais region – it has pan-European consequences.”