UK Edition
Channel migrants have set fire to their Kent barracks. Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, called the fire an “appalling” incident which is “offensive to taxpayers".
The asylum seekers set fire to one of the blocks at Napier Barracks, near Folkestone in Kent, in protest at their treatment after an outbreak of Covid-19 at the base.
In what one source described as a near riot, they initially barricaded staff into a room and blocked entrances before starting the fire, which led to eight fire engines being sent by Kent fire and rescue service.
People living and working in the surrounding area were advised to close their windows and doors as a precaution due to smoke seen billowing from one of the blocks in images posted online.
The protest is understood to have been sparked by migrants angry they had not been removed from the barracks like some others to self-isolate in nearby hotels. It is believed some 120 of the 400 at the barracks have tested positive for coronavirus.
Ms Patel said: “The damage and destruction at Napier Barracks is not only appalling but deeply offensive to the taxpayers of this country who are providing this accommodation while asylum claims are being processed.
“This type of action will not be tolerated and the Home Office will support the police to take robust action against those vandalising property, threatening staff and putting lives at risk.
“This site has previously accommodated our brave soldiers and army personnel – it is an insult to say that it is not good enough for these individuals. I am fixing our broken asylum system, and will be bringing forward legislation this year to deliver on that commitment.”
There are 16 blocks in the camp, most of which hold up to 28 men, and a communal canteen. Some of the migrants who tested positive were put together in bubbles as the site was deep cleaned while others were taken to hotels to create more space, a move that led to the friction.
More than 8,400 migrants crossed the English Channel to the UK in 2020, quadruple the number for 2019.