Calais refugee camp: TUC statement

The nine thousand people currently trapped in the Calais refugee camp are facing the threat of the imminent demolition of their temporary homes and facilities – often paid for by donations from working people in Britain.

The TUC – working with organisations like Care4Calais and our sister unions in France – opposes demolitions, because of the humanitarian cost and the failure of previous attempts to address the issue with similar approaches. In February, half of the camp was demolished - driving some to even worse camps along the coast – but the camp is now bigger than before because refugees continue to arrive.

Meanwhile the residents in the camp continue living lives put on hold, exposing vulnerable people including children to terrifying risks, and now local residents and workers like truck drivers face escalating violence from people smugglers exploiting the situation.

A longer term, sustainable solution is needed, providing justice and security for everyone concerned.

In the meantime, the TUC is working with Care4Calais to ensure union members understand what is happening, and encouraging them and their unions to:

• Sign the online petition to Home Secretary Amber Rudd opposing the demolition; and

• Donate money and badly needed goods through the Care4Calais website.