News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

EU-migrant-talk-March-2016-main_article_image.jpg
Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
World News

Christian Brexit campaigner: migrant camps won't hit UK if Britain leaves EU

by Hannah Tooley

He was speaking after Emmanuel Macron said that a vote to leave the European Union could result in migrant camps being moved from Calais, in France, to the British side of the English Channel.

He said British withdrawal from the EU, or a Brexit, could lead to Paris ending a 2003 treaty which allows UK border guards to be stationed in Calais, where thousands of migrants live in makeshift encampments.

But Dr Adrian Hilton, from Christians4Britain said this makes no sense.

Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

He told Premier's News Hour that it would "effectively, unilaterally cease the treaty of Le Touquet - you would have Calais become an absolute magnet for tens, if not hundreds of thousands of migrants, all then with an automatic passport over the channel."

The Le Touquet treaty has seen UK border officials carrying out checks on the French side of the Channel.

Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

He told Premier that it is a Christian duty to welcome genuine refugees and make a distinction between refugees and migrants: "That isn't being done in Calais, and it needs doing desperately badly all over the EU."

Mr Hilton added that people really need help: "People need compassion, they need shelter, they need food."

But he also said that there are other factors at play: "We also can't detach this from the fact that Hollande [President Francois Hollande] has a presidential election coming up, he has to make all sorts of the right noises because he has a considerable number of threats from the Front Nationale."

Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Is it thought that David Cameron is likely to see Emmanuel Macron's comments as confirmation that France could stop allowing UK border checks on its side of the Channel if Britain votes to leave the EU.

Downing Street has confirmed that the pair are expected to discuss the situation in Calais at the Anglo-French summit, where security is top of the agenda.

Mr Cameron said he was "convinced" EU membership enhances Britain's security, as he prepared to unveil plans to co-operate with France on the development of a new advanced drone.

Listen to Premier's Aaron James speak to Dr Adrian Hilton here:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate