A Conservative London mayoral candidate and MEP has delivered a letter to the French ambassador demanding that his government steps in to re-open Calais to holidaymakers and hauliers left sweltering in their vehicles.
Syed Kamall took the letter to the French Embassy in Brussels after Eurostar, Eurotunnel and ferry services were cancelled yet again leaving drivers open to being what Mr Kamall described as ‘targets for migrants seeking to enter the UK’.
In the letter he asked that if the port wasn’t fully opened soon, how the French government planned to compensate travellers, businesses and hauliers who had suffered inconvenience and lost earnings.
He said: “Ferry workers of course have a right to protest, but they do not have a right to blockade this entry and exit point several times, causing damage that obstructs cross-border services for days.
“My constituents in London have faced significant disruption and financial losses as a result of this action, which has caused Eurostar services to be cancelled. This is not their fight.”
The letter reads:
Dear Ambassador Sellal,
In recent weeks British travellers and hauliers have faced severe disruption and inconvenience at the hands of French trade union activists that have deliberately sought to obstruct a major artery of European trade and travel.
“Under EU rules France is obliged to ensure the free passage of individuals through this major transit route, which is crucial for commerce and acts as the gateway to the Continent.
Ferry workers of course have a right to protest, but they do not have a right to blockade this entry and exit point several times, causing damage that obstructs cross-border services for days.
My constituents in London have faced significant disruption and financial losses as a result of this action, which has caused Eurostar services to be cancelled. This is not their fight.
I would appreciate if you could let me know if and when the French government intends to step in and fulfil its responsibility as a European Union Member State to keep this cross-border transit hub open.
I’m sure that you are aware that the British government has offered financial assistance and hardware aimed at protecting critical infrastructure. If your government continues to be unable to meet its core obligation then I look forward to hearing how you plan to compensate the British travellers, businesses and hauliers that have suffered inconvenience and lost earnings.
I would ask that you forward this message to your government.
Yours sincerely,
Syed Kamall MEP
