A large-scale protest near the French port of Calais has caused severe disruption to travel in the area today.
Lorries, tractors, and thousands of people gathered to demand the immediate closure of the refugee camp they call ‘Jungle’.
Over 7,000 immigrants reside at the camp, which locals see it as an eyesore, and say it undermines the town’s reputation.
Calais’ Mayor, Natacha Bouchart, joined in the demonstration, saying that the continuous stand-off between immigrants living in the camp and the local residents of the town is becoming ‘unbearable.’
David Sagnard, president of FNTR national truck drivers’ federation added that:
“Before, it was just attempts to get on trucks. Now there is looting and wilful destruction, tarpaulins are slashed, goods stolen or destroyed. Drivers go to work with fear in their bellies and the economic consequences are severe.”