UK’s Cameron worried about Chunnel migrant situation
British Prime Minister David Cameron has voiced concern about an attempt by some 2,000 migrants to enter the UK from the French port town of Calais via the Channel Tunnel, aka Chunnel.
"This is very concerning," Cameron told reporters on Wednesday during a visit to Singapore, adding, "We are working very closely" with French officials to deal with the situation.
The desperate migrants tried to get into the terminal on Monday night. The incident caused long delays to train services of Eurotunnel, the Channel Tunnel operator.
Eurotunnel is seeking 9.7 million euros ($10.67 million) from the British and French administrations in compensation for disruption caused by the migrants.
On Tuesday night, a Sudanese man, aged between 25 and 30, died after he was hit by a truck near the Chunnel, local sources said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Cameron said the UK will do everything it can, including investing in fencing around the area, to prevent such events, stressing that he did not want to get involved in finger-pointing.
"There's no point trying to point fingers of blame, it's about working with the French, putting in place these additional security measures, adding in the investment where that's needed."
He also noted that British Home Secretary Theresa May will preside over a meeting of the government's emergency committee, Cobra, later on Wednesday to discuss the incident.
On Tuesday, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve traveled to London to hold talks with his British counterpart, May, on how to address the migrant issue.
"We are both clear that we need to ensure we are dealing with the terrible criminal gangs, the people smugglers, who are making a profit out of the human misery of many people," May said following the meeting.
A large number of migrants from war zones and impoverished countries have in recent years flocked to Calais in the hope of reaching Britain by hiding in trucks or other vehicles crossing to the country.
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