Vigil held in Folkestone for 32 migrants who ‘slowly froze to death’

Banners listing those lost in 2021 at the gathering on Sunny Sands Photo: Ray Duff…

Words and pictures by Ray Duff… More than fifty people gathered on Folkestone’s Sunny Sands to mark the first anniversary of the 32 people who slowly froze to death while attempting to cross the Channel exactly one year ago.

The gathering included people from all walks of life and many local groups, including Churches Together, Folkestone Mosque, asylum-seekers at Napier barracks, Kent Refugee Action Networks and Folkestone Labour, Lib Dem and Green Party, along with concerned members of the public and activists from London.

Many were holding electric candles or torches as part of the vigil.

*Activist Bridget Chapman welcomes all to the vigil Photo: Ray Duff…*

People were welcomed by local activist Bridget Chapman who reminded all of why the vigil had to take place.

She explained and why it is so important to continue to campaign to get safe routes across Europe and the Channel in place to help end refugees falling into the hands of despicable traffickers and so risking their lives trying to cross the Channel in small boats.

There were speakers from Churches Together, local political parties and a refugee who lost friends last year broke down in tears during his eulogy.

The gathering held a minute’s silence for those lost, followed by a reading of their names and ages and where they were from.

There was then a spontaneous rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ before people dispersed.

The event coincided with demonstrations and vigils in London, Dunkerque and Paris which all called for to change Government policies across Europe to address the issue.

To read about other other vigils see:-