Led By Donkeys have projected a message onto the White Cliffs of Dover and accusing the government are using the migrant crossings as a distraction from their handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
The latest stunt from the group saw a projection on the cliffs featuring an NHS cleaner Hassan Akkad, a Syrian refugee who crossed to Britain several years ago.
The message highlighted the “terrifying and devastating” journeys that so many people are undertaking to reach the UK by boat.
It came as French prosecutors continue to investigate the death of a Sudanese migrant whose body was found on a beach in Calais earlier this week.
READ MORE: Concern at number of young children crossing the Channel
Almost 4,900 migrants have successfully crossed to the UK in small boats so far this year, analysis from the PA news agency shows.
In the video, Mr Akkad said: “Hello everyone. Apologies for taking over the cliff but I have a few words that I would love to share with you.
“My name is Hassan and five years ago I was on the other side of this Channel trying to cross here.
“These cliffs were actually visible from our makeshift camp and they represented hope.”
He said that, like many of those arriving recently, he had to put his trust in a people smuggler because safe and legal asylum routes are unavailable.
He continued: “Crossing the sea in a rubber dinghy is terrifying and devastating.
“Devastating because it makes you feel so helpless and insignificant.
“And I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
HELPLINE OPEN | If you are a refugee or asylum seeker living in Scotland and need some advice then please speak to us. Call our helpline on 0141 223 7979.
— Scottish Refugee Council (@scotrefcouncil) August 21, 2020
MORE: https://t.co/zknBWSUb8U pic.twitter.com/CEK9mNKI6w
He argued that Britain is not facing a refugee crisis, but that the migrant crossings are being used as a distraction by the Government.
“I will say it again – they are using us to distract you from how from how badly they have managed during this pandemic,” he said.
“The past few months have proved that the people who made Britain their home didn’t hesitate to roll up their sleeves and keep this country running during the worst public health crisis in modern history.
READ MORE: Confusion over 'eviction' of Glasgow's asylum seekers
“From harvesting our produce to stacking our shelves. From delivering our takeaways to looking after our elderly and sick.
“From driving our buses to, in my case, cleaning my hospital to help the NHS.
“The only difference between you and us is luck.”
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