Immigration and Nationality Law specialists Garth Coates Solicitors react to news that tensions between French and British authorities could see Calais Port being illegally blocked.

In a bid to highlight the concerns of French port authorities of the growing number of immigrants merging in Calais who wish to enter the UK by any means possible, the mayor of Calais, Natacha Bouchart has threatened to block the popular and busy port, even though such drastic action would be considered illegal.

The threatened blockade follows months upon months of the northern French ferry port resembling a refugee camp rather than the starting point for many families setting off on their European driving holidays. The issues are centred on their belief that Britain is failing to provide enough financial support to actively tackle the thousands of migrants arriving at the port every month from war torn countries, not to mention the economically ravished member states of the EU.

Costing Calais 10 million euros every year, Natacha Bouchart, the centre-Right Calais mayor spoke of ordering such “illegal” and drastic action unless the British Government makes a “strong response” to provide help to deal with rising refugee numbers. These individuals are sleeping rough and stowing away in the dead of night on ferries, boats and in or under Lorries heading for the UK:

“I can take the decision to block the port. I have ways of exerting pressure,” said Miss Bouchard, following a meeting with the interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, where an agreement was made to open a new day centre for all migrants and night shelter for women and children.

“(A blockade) would be illegal, but I want a strong response today from the British,” said Natacha, accusing the Tory Government of demanding tougher security whilst doing little to financially assist.

London-based immigration law experts Garth Coates Solicitors react regularly to news, studies and reports relevant to their industry. A company spokesperson believes that blockading the Calais ferry port could bring about further involvement from the Conservative Government:

“With the latest concerns in Britain over the bulk numbers of migrants entering the UK in the past few years, it is clear that concerns are reaching critical levels regarding migrants taking any means necessary to enter the UK, legally or not. Our focus is in assisting those immigrants who require assistance when applying to enter the UK legally but we believe the government should be at the very least, finding ways in which to help Calais to manage the growing number of arriving migrants.”

Garth Coates Solicitors continue to offer outstanding services to migrants from both inside and outside the EU, as they have for many years. A well-established firm with years of experience and a professional knowledge of nationality and immigration law, discover more on how they can assist today via www.garthcoates.com.