France brings an end to the Jungle

Migration has been one of the most difficult subjects faced by the European Union.  As a mixture of people are drawn towards Europe from both the Middle East and Central Africa, the European continent is faced with a difficult decision, just where do we place these people?

With much of Europe adopting a longwinded application process for both asylum seekers, and those looking for a better way of life, many find themselves with little choice but to travel across Europe illegally in the hope they can find a safe haven.  We have all seen the families forced out of their homes by local militia, and the very people claiming to be there to help (The Coalition).  They have been followed by many simply looking for a better quality of life.  Sadly, this issue has been seen as a dividing subject, most notably in the results of the EU referendum.  Many feel that immigration needs to be further restricted, regardless of the human impact.

So what has this meant for the migrants?

Many of the people fleeing Syria and central Africa have managed to settle in EU countries, but some have decided to travel across Europe to Northern France, where you will find the Jungle, a small settlement located near the port of Calais and close to the 31-mile Channel Tunnel, which serves as the link to mainland England.  It has proven a magnet for people desperate to settle in the UK. 

But why the UK?

If you speak to most people in the Jungle, they feel that the UK poses a better chance of finding work and better living conditions.  Many migrants have English as their second language, making the transition even easier.  Others are attracted by the belief there is a better standard of health care and education available to residents of the UK.  Some want to simply claim asylum, while others want to enter incognito and remain as illegal workers, which much of the media has latched on to.  It’s this illegal intent, and the unrelenting attempts to board lorry’s bound for the UK that has garnered a bad reputation from some towards the Jungle.

Over the last 6 months, clashes with police have increased significantly, leaving the French government with little choice but to close the camp.  As of 12pm today, around 1,300 migrants had been bussed away from Calais, with the aim of clearing the sight before the end of the week. The Jungle’s population will leave for various parts of France, where people will be given the opportunity to either claim asylum or face deportation.  There has been little resistance so far, but there is some concern that some people will refuse to go as many still remain intent on entering the UK regardless of the cost.  The French authorities plan to demolish what is left of the camp early tomorrow.