Lee Anderson, the Conservative deputy chairman, has sparked controversy by accusing refugee charities in Calais of being “just as bad as people smugglers” and of “fuelling” migrants’ desire to cross the English Channel in small boats.
Anderson made the comments after a visit to Calais with the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee.
Anderson claimed that he saw “hundreds of young men” being helped by the British Care4Calais charity, which he believes encouraged the migrants to make the dangerous crossing by teaching them English.
Care4Calais denied the claims and stated that they focus on providing humanitarian aid and campaigning for safe routes for asylum seekers.
Anderson has been embroiled in controversy previously, calling for the return of the death penalty and advocating for the immediate return of unlawful migrants.
Summary derived from this News Link -> Lee Anderson claims Calais refugee charities ‘just as bad as people smugglers’
