Delegations from Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Manchester and Essex travelled to Calais last weekend as part of the Stand Up to Racism Winter Appeal.
The purpose of the appeal was to raise funds for organisations working with refugees in the “Jungle” camp and put renewed pressure on the UK government to do more for refugees living in atrocious winter conditions. Up to ten thousand pounds was donated by delegates over the space of the weekend.
The delegation was made up of around a hundred trade unionists, local councillors and refugee organisations from the UK, France and Germany. There were also representatives of the faith community and Julie Ward MEP who beat BNP Leader Nick Griffin to the North West seat in 2014.
Activists launched a solidarity declaration at a political rally in the camp attended by 250 refugees. The statement calls for the “redoubling” of “efforts” to pressure the British government to allow refugees into the UK and out of the “squalid” and “dangerous” conditions in the camp.
Julie Ward MEP, the first signatory of the statement, told the rally that she would work with others in order to pressure the government to do more for refugees. “I will work with Stand Up to Racism, I will work with this organisation [Lampedusa refugee organisation], I will work with you, and I will work with other people who are elected and like me are compassionate, caring humanitarian people.”
Ali, from Lampedusa refugee organisation, added that refugees have to be at the centre of any campaign. He said “we need you, because it is with you that this can happen, without you this cannot happen, we have to do this together.”
There was a heavy Police presence at the camp which blockaded the entrance for a number of hours on Sunday 13 December. Activists also saw a small far-right demonstration close to the camp coinciding with the second round of the French Regional Elections where the fascist Front National had hoped to make a breakthrough in the region.
Zak Cochrane Stand Up to Racism campaigner said; “the situation in the camp has deteriorated significantly since our last delegation in October. People are hungry and cold and the numbers of women with children has trebled according to aid workers on the camp. There is an attempt to break the solidarity with refugees but the rise of Le Pen demonstrates that solidarity is more important than ever. Refugees are not a “swarm” or problem they just want to come to the UK and we say they are welcome here.”
To view the refugee solidarity declaration click here. Email info@standuptoracism.org.uk to add your name, organisation and/or campaign to the declaration.
