In the English port city of Dover, supporters and opponents of accepting refugees demonstrated. The police had separated the two groups. There are no reports of incidents.
In the past few weeks, the number of migrants arriving on the English coast had risen steadily. According to unofficial reports, there were 1,500 people in August alone. In the whole year it should be 5,500. That would be tripled compared to last year.
Almost all migrants state that they come from poor countries and regions of political conflict – for example from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia or Yemen. Most of them apply for asylum.
The government in London is now increasing the pressure on Paris to fight smugglers harder. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called his country a “target and magnet” for organized smugglers. He announced legal tightening, but without being specific.
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