Operation Stack was reinstated last week for the 5th time in four weeks, causing further disruption to residents and businesses in Kent. Helen Whately MP, together with her neighbouring MPs in Kent, have continued to press Ministers and authorities to resolve the crisis. Helen’s campaigning has particularly focused on the need for an immediate alternative to Operation Stack for this summer, as well as a longer term solution.
On Tuesday Helen attended a meeting with Home Secretary Theresa May and nine other Kent MPs to discuss the impact of Operation Stack on the area and to brainstorm potential solutions. The Home Secretary listened carefully to Helen outlining how the disruption has affected residents in Faversham & Mid Kent. Theresa May recognised that solving Operation Stack involves action by the Foreign Office and the Department of Transport as well as her department, the Home Office. She offered to help coordinate a Government response across department
Last Wednesday, Helen received a letter from the Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, Immigration Minister, updating her on the action the government is taking to address the disruption caused by migrants in Calais. In his letter, the Minister recognised the severity of disturbance caused by Operation Stack to residents of Kent and hauliers from all over the UK, who were subjected to long delays. He outlined the measures the Home Office is taking:
· Working closely with the French authorities to mitigate the consequences of irresponsible French strikers, including the introduction of a new secure zone at the port of Calais for UK- bound lorries. This has room for 230 vehicles- the equivalent of removing a two-and-a-half mile queue from the approaching road.
· Continuing the close collaboration between the British and French Governments to bolster the security of the ports in Northern France. Enhanced security and intensified screening of freight vehicles entering Calais has been authorized to prevent illegal border crossing- over 8,000 attempts by illegal migrants were stopped successfully.
· Providing assistance to hauliers and the travelling public. This includes meeting industry representatives, providing clear guidance on lorry security and an accreditation scheme for hauliers.
· Leading international efforts to tackle the immigration crisis across Europe
Helen has also continued to keep up the pressure in Parliament. Last Thursday, she attended Transport Questions in the House of Commons, taking the opportunity to press Ministers again for action. Helen reiterated the impact on Kent and asked the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill MP:
“ I thank the Minister for his update on the action to try to avoid the continuation of Operation Stack. As my fellow Kent MP, my hon. Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Damian Collins), has said, it is causing untold disruption and misery to local people as well as to lorry drivers. Does the Minister consider it an option to continue Operation Stack during the summer? For my constituents, an alternative solution as soon as possible really is a priority.”
The Minister assured Helen that all options were under review, including the suggestion to use Manston airfield to store trucks. He explained that the Department of Transport’s immediate priority was tackling the queue-jumping which makes the congestion worse.
