Apparently there has been a shameful lack of press coverage in response to Calais Migrant Solidarity’s recent press release, and visiting reporters didn’t manage to coincide their visits with those of large numbers of activists. I figured I’d do what little this blog can do to help get the word out and reproduce the release below the cut – so click read more to view that. CMS maintain there own blog here and a Facebook group here. I’ve written previously about CMS and their treatment by the British press here.
Calais Migrant Solidarity update
June 22nd, 2010 § 0
More callous lies from peddlers of racist hysteria
February 22nd, 2010 § 1
I’m quite a fan of the Enemies of Reason blog as 90% of the time author Anton Vowl mirrors my response to media trends and furores – right down to the tirades of colourful invective. Best of all, he reads the tabloids so I don’t have to. I’m impressed that he is prepared to return to those peddlers of bullshit, hypocrisy and lies time and again, and that he invests so much time and energy in not only observing that they’re wrong but also identifying why.
Over the weekend he posted this about a story in the Daily Express. Click on through to read Anton’s post as there’s little point me repeating what he says.
Our deluxe minicabs will transport you to your luxury accommodation.
In essence, the Express claims that a refurbished hangar currently being used to provide shelter for migrants is a “holiday camp” akin to a “VIP club”. Of course, their photos proving this are nowhere to be seen. Fortunately Brighton No Borders and Calais Migrant Solidarity have already posted rebuttals – with photos.
I’ve only a little to add to this. I’ve been following updates from CMS over the last few months and I’m aware that the hangar has been legally hired by CMS to provide for the basic needs of migrants who are without shelter, food, money, medicine, legal and often social and emotional support.
Over the past few months tents and encampments have been repeatedly cleared and bulldozed by police under the orders of a mayor who wishes to appear tough on illegal immigration. Over the freezing winter and record snows we’ve experienced over the past couple of months, police were ensuring that these migrants lacked even the most basic provisions that they needed to survive.
Often travelling alone and traumatised by isolation, trafficking or the experiences they fled, it is probable that without the tireless activities of Calais Migrant Solidarity and other activists, many such migrants would have died, alone, cold and hungry, their last shreds of hope obliterated in the name of political displays of strength.
Our highly-trained staff are ready and waiting to cater to your every need.
Perhaps the Daily Express might consider following in the footsteps of a famous journalist who possessed the courage of his convictions. Follow in the footsteps of Eric Arthur Blair, Express hacks, and experience for yourself this life you so glibly liken to that of a visiting dignitary. Or perhaps open up your offices to visitors: if a hangar containing camp beds and a small office is akin to a “holiday camp”, your organ’s finances and workforce must be in even direr straits than anyone thought.
(Photos courtesy CMS.)
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In happier news, the Scottish Defence League (the north-of-the-border branch of homegrown far-right street thug movement, the EDL) has been thoroughly humiliated in Edinburgh. Outnumbered 15-to-1 and bundled onto buses by police. Fantastic.