Calais The Observer Border treaty blamed for Calais migrant surge that has led to violence A deal to speed refugee processing has resulted in a 25% rise in arrivals at the port, stoking national tensions Migrants carry sticks during clashes near the ferry port in Calais on Thursday after at least five migrants were shot while queuing for food. Photograph: Johan Ben Azzouz/EPAA sudden surge of refugees arriving in Calais is stoking new tensions between migrant communities and led to the mass brawl and multiple shootings that shocked France last week. Migrants and charities blamed the rapid increase on a recent border treaty between France and the UK, which raised “false hopes” that it would be easier to reach Britain. François Guennoc, vice-president of the Calais charity L’Auberge des Migrants, said the UK-France border agreement had caused chaos. Photograph: Nord Littoral/via APMigrants said that the treaty had provoked frustration among desperate individuals, many of whom sleep rough in the woods near Calais.

Source: The Guardian February 03, 2018 20:26 UTC