France last night demanded that Britain open its doors to illegal migrants, admitting that it was losing the ongoing battle against immigration. The mayor of Calais, Natacha Bouchard, claimed that until the UK opened its borders the city would continue to be a dumping ground for failed asylum seekers. Bouchard also claimed that she had had enough of having to do the UK’s dirty work for them. The controversial demands come just one week after the closure of the infamous Jungle migrant camp and several others in the region, although most of the inhabitants remain near Calais having fled camps prior to closure of been caught attempting to cross the channel.

Ms Bouchard said that Calais has become nothing more than a hostage of the British government with around 20 camp sites still operating. Bouchard argued that Britain’s failure to sign on to the Schedgen Agreement, which allows free movement across EU member states without visas or passports, the problem would continue to grow. Bouchard said that Britain was not capable of controlling its borders, meaning France has had to instead, which is something that should not be imposed on them. The Calais mayor called on every European politician to demand that Britain stop placing France under unwarranted pressure.

The outburst has come at a time when French authorities are becoming increasingly powerless to prevent the flow of migrants seeking passage to the UK, which has not become nothing more than a nightly game which the French are tired of playing.

The Conservatives leapt on the chance to suggest the only change in policy would come with a change of government. The current government has made repeated requests to France to improve Calais security, with French police at least showing a strong hand this week in destroying many campsites. However, this alone does not achieve anything except a redistribution of the migrants. Of greater significance is the targeting of smugglers based in the area who offer passage to the UK for £1,000.

Popularity: 2%

Share This