Protests against the increasing number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats led to clashes with police and multiple arrests on Saturday in Dover, south-east England. The British police reportedly arrested nine people after dozens of demonstrators blocked a four-lane road near the port city and had clashes with officials.
Many of the demonstrators, who had also come to Dover from other places, wore corona protective masks with the Union Jack and sang the patriotic song “Rule, Britannia!”. Almost a hundred counter-demonstrators had previously gathered in Dover to support the migrants.
The number of migrants crossing the English Channel from France in often unsafe boats has increased sharply this summer. According to a count by the British news agency PA, almost 1,500 refugees managed to get to the English coast in this way in August. This is probably the highest number within a month to date. More than 400 migrants crossed the English Channel on Tuesday alone.
The sharp increase in the number of refugees has already created political tension between Britain and France. London is demanding that the French authorities step up their efforts to prevent people from fleeing across the English Channel. The authorities in France assure, however, that they are already doing everything possible to prevent such crossings.
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