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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2015/jun/23/cross-channel-trains-suspended-strike-french-ferry-workers-calais

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Cross-channel trains suspended amid strike by French ferry workers – as it happened Cross-channel trains suspended amid strike by French ferry workers – as it happened
(5 months later)
8.33pm BST20:33 8.33pm BST
20:33
Summary of today's events in CalaisSummary of today's events in Calais
Now that things seem to have calmed down in Calais, it seems like a good time to wrap up the blog. Here’s a summary of what happened their today.Now that things seem to have calmed down in Calais, it seems like a good time to wrap up the blog. Here’s a summary of what happened their today.
8.27pm BST20:27 8.27pm BST
20:27
Ferries are now moving again between Dover and CalaisFerries are now moving again between Dover and Calais
Boats from Dover to Calais resumed at about 6pm, a spokesman for P&O said. But there is a backlog which the shipping company will work overnight to clear.Boats from Dover to Calais resumed at about 6pm, a spokesman for P&O said. But there is a backlog which the shipping company will work overnight to clear.
Dan Bridget, the spokesman for P&O, said: “The aspiration is by tomorrow we should be back to normal. Obviously we will be in touch with passengers if that’s not the case.”Dan Bridget, the spokesman for P&O, said: “The aspiration is by tomorrow we should be back to normal. Obviously we will be in touch with passengers if that’s not the case.”
The backlog was not too severe because many passengers had heeded warnings to stay away from the Channel crossing for the day, Bridget said.The backlog was not too severe because many passengers had heeded warnings to stay away from the Channel crossing for the day, Bridget said.
7.52pm BST19:52 7.52pm BST
19:52
By coincidence. the National Crime Agency warned that the number of migrants trying to sneak into Britain from Calais is set to increase.By coincidence. the National Crime Agency warned that the number of migrants trying to sneak into Britain from Calais is set to increase.
The figure is set to grow because of the “sheer scale” of migrants in the French port town, the agency said. Detection of “irregular migrants” more than doubled in the UK last year and “this is likely to continue on an upward trend”, it concluded.The figure is set to grow because of the “sheer scale” of migrants in the French port town, the agency said. Detection of “irregular migrants” more than doubled in the UK last year and “this is likely to continue on an upward trend”, it concluded.
“The biggest threat emanates from the North Africa into Italy route, use of which rose by over 300% in 2014,” the agency said in its yearly National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime.“The biggest threat emanates from the North Africa into Italy route, use of which rose by over 300% in 2014,” the agency said in its yearly National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime.
7.37pm BST19:37 7.37pm BST
19:37
Foreign Office tells Britons travelling through Calais: "Keep your doors locked"Foreign Office tells Britons travelling through Calais: "Keep your doors locked"
The Foreign Office has updated its advice to Britons travelling to France through the port of Calais. It is warning drivers to keep doors locked in slow-moving traffic and make sure to lock up when they park their vehicles. The warning says:The Foreign Office has updated its advice to Britons travelling to France through the port of Calais. It is warning drivers to keep doors locked in slow-moving traffic and make sure to lock up when they park their vehicles. The warning says:
Following industrial action at both Calais Port and at Eurotunnel in Coquelles, cross channel services including Eurostar have been disrupted. Check the status of your booking with your operator before leaving home.Following industrial action at both Calais Port and at Eurotunnel in Coquelles, cross channel services including Eurostar have been disrupted. Check the status of your booking with your operator before leaving home.
There are large numbers of illegal migrants in and around Calais, who may seek to enter the UK illegally. Although local police patrols have been reinforced, you should keep vehicle doors locked in slow moving traffic and secure your vehicle when it is left unattended.There are large numbers of illegal migrants in and around Calais, who may seek to enter the UK illegally. Although local police patrols have been reinforced, you should keep vehicle doors locked in slow moving traffic and secure your vehicle when it is left unattended.
7.32pm BST19:32 7.32pm BST
19:32
This footage, uploaded by BBC News, shows migrants desperate to reach Britain hopping into the back of lorries crawling down roads to the port of Calais.This footage, uploaded by BBC News, shows migrants desperate to reach Britain hopping into the back of lorries crawling down roads to the port of Calais.
Chris Cary, a lorry driver, earlier told the Guardian that would-be migrants had tried to leap aboard his curtainside lorry as he drove around Calais. Paula and Bill Brady, two pensioners from Shrewsbury who were returning from holiday in France, also described seeing men waiting by the side of the road for vehicles they could leap aboard.Chris Cary, a lorry driver, earlier told the Guardian that would-be migrants had tried to leap aboard his curtainside lorry as he drove around Calais. Paula and Bill Brady, two pensioners from Shrewsbury who were returning from holiday in France, also described seeing men waiting by the side of the road for vehicles they could leap aboard.
Thousands of migrants are living around camps in the port of Calais in the hopes of stowing away on vehicles making their way to Britain.Thousands of migrants are living around camps in the port of Calais in the hopes of stowing away on vehicles making their way to Britain.
7.02pm BST19:02 7.02pm BST
19:02
These are the latest pictures from St Pancras station, the London terminal of the Eurostar service. Passengers hoping to reach France are stuck after Eurostar cancelled its trains for the rest of the day.These are the latest pictures from St Pancras station, the London terminal of the Eurostar service. Passengers hoping to reach France are stuck after Eurostar cancelled its trains for the rest of the day.
Updated at 7.02pm BST Updated
6.55pm BST18:55 at 7.02pm BST
6.55pm BST
18:55
Eurostar says its workers have managed to make an assessment of the damage caused to its tracks by fires started by striking French sailors.Eurostar says its workers have managed to make an assessment of the damage caused to its tracks by fires started by striking French sailors.
The fire has damaged parts of the track used by our trains, engineers will work on repairs overnight and services will resume tomorrow.The fire has damaged parts of the track used by our trains, engineers will work on repairs overnight and services will resume tomorrow.
6.43pm BST18:43 6.43pm BST
18:43
Philippe Mignonet, the deputy mayor of Calais, has reiterated calls from French politicians for the border to be moved from northern France to Britain.Philippe Mignonet, the deputy mayor of Calais, has reiterated calls from French politicians for the border to be moved from northern France to Britain.
Such a move would make British authorities responsible for the migrants trying to cross the Channel and start a new life in the UK. Mignonet told the BBC:Such a move would make British authorities responsible for the migrants trying to cross the Channel and start a new life in the UK. Mignonet told the BBC:
Calais is not the destination. As you’ve heard, (migrants) want to get into trucks, they want to get to England.Calais is not the destination. As you’ve heard, (migrants) want to get into trucks, they want to get to England.
England has got to realise that it is not our responsibility. The English border is in Calais and I’m requesting, such as (Calais mayor) Natacha Bouchart, for the border to be transferred back in Dover and in Folkestone.England has got to realise that it is not our responsibility. The English border is in Calais and I’m requesting, such as (Calais mayor) Natacha Bouchart, for the border to be transferred back in Dover and in Folkestone.
We can’t just accept any more, to be blamed for immigrancy. Again, they want to go to England, they are not coming to Calais, they go through Calais to get to England.We can’t just accept any more, to be blamed for immigrancy. Again, they want to go to England, they are not coming to Calais, they go through Calais to get to England.
6.10pm BST18:10 6.10pm BST
18:10
Operation Stack to remain in place overnight and into tomorrowOperation Stack to remain in place overnight and into tomorrow
Hundreds of lorries are parked up along the M20 southbound towards the port of Dover as part of Kent police’s Operation Stack.Hundreds of lorries are parked up along the M20 southbound towards the port of Dover as part of Kent police’s Operation Stack.
The contingency plan effectively turns the motorway into one long, narrow lorry park while there are disruptions to sea travel between Dover and Calais.The contingency plan effectively turns the motorway into one long, narrow lorry park while there are disruptions to sea travel between Dover and Calais.
Kent police said in a statement that they could remain their overnight.Kent police said in a statement that they could remain their overnight.
“The industrial action in France is expected to last until this evening (23 June),” the force said in a statement. “As a result, Operation Stack will be in place overnight and into tomorrow until the backlog of traffic has cleared.”“The industrial action in France is expected to last until this evening (23 June),” the force said in a statement. “As a result, Operation Stack will be in place overnight and into tomorrow until the backlog of traffic has cleared.”
Normal traffic is being diverted onto the A20 from Junction 8 (Hollingbourne) and rejoining the motorway at Junction 9 (Ashford West).Normal traffic is being diverted onto the A20 from Junction 8 (Hollingbourne) and rejoining the motorway at Junction 9 (Ashford West).
5.59pm BST17:59 5.59pm BST
17:59
These are the departure boards at London St Pancras station’s Eurostar terminal. The one consistent message? CancelledThese are the departure boards at London St Pancras station’s Eurostar terminal. The one consistent message? Cancelled
All #eurostar trains to Paris cancelled. pic.twitter.com/71VsKJTbaEAll #eurostar trains to Paris cancelled. pic.twitter.com/71VsKJTbaE
5.57pm BST17:57 5.57pm BST
17:57
What is the cause of today’s disruption? French sailors are protesting plans to sell off two of their employer’s ferries to a rival firm. AFP has more details:What is the cause of today’s disruption? French sailors are protesting plans to sell off two of their employer’s ferries to a rival firm. AFP has more details:
The sailors, from the French ferry company MyFerryLink, were protesting plans by Eurotunnel to sell two of their ferries to rival firm DFDS.The sailors, from the French ferry company MyFerryLink, were protesting plans by Eurotunnel to sell two of their ferries to rival firm DFDS.
Eurotunnel announced in May it was halting its operational partnership with MyFerryLink due to legal complications, and this month decided to sell its ferries to Danish group DFDS.Eurotunnel announced in May it was halting its operational partnership with MyFerryLink due to legal complications, and this month decided to sell its ferries to Danish group DFDS.
“It’s out of the question that DFDS takes our boats. Never, never,” exclaimed the head of the main union on strike, Eric Vercoutre, who took up position with around 100 colleagues at the entrance to the tunnel in the early hours of Tuesday morning.“It’s out of the question that DFDS takes our boats. Never, never,” exclaimed the head of the main union on strike, Eric Vercoutre, who took up position with around 100 colleagues at the entrance to the tunnel in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
“We’ve been betrayed,” he said.“We’ve been betrayed,” he said.
Unions say they fear as many as 120 jobs could be at risk from the potential sale.Unions say they fear as many as 120 jobs could be at risk from the potential sale.
Local MP Yann Capet said he was “furious” at the company’s actions.Local MP Yann Capet said he was “furious” at the company’s actions.
“When you’re a big boss, you need to show responsibility and the social responsibility of a company can’t just be a slogan,” he said.“When you’re a big boss, you need to show responsibility and the social responsibility of a company can’t just be a slogan,” he said.
Another protester said: “We just don’t understand. The boats work very well... We’re ready to get going again but I don’t know when.”Another protester said: “We just don’t understand. The boats work very well... We’re ready to get going again but I don’t know when.”
5.38pm BST17:38 5.38pm BST
17:38
"French workers threw things at me when I sped through their barricade""French workers threw things at me when I sped through their barricade"
Chris Cary, a truck driver, has been stuck in Calais for nearly 14 hours with a load of energy drinks. He had hoped to catch a ferry back to Dover in the early hours of this morning, but found himself trapped when the terminal closed.Chris Cary, a truck driver, has been stuck in Calais for nearly 14 hours with a load of energy drinks. He had hoped to catch a ferry back to Dover in the early hours of this morning, but found himself trapped when the terminal closed.
He said he’s one of seven or eight drivers from the same haulage company, MJD, who are stuck on either side of the Channel due to the industrial action. Both refugees and striking workers have tried to attack his lorry, he said.He said he’s one of seven or eight drivers from the same haulage company, MJD, who are stuck on either side of the Channel due to the industrial action. Both refugees and striking workers have tried to attack his lorry, he said.
“I’ve got a curtain-sider. Migrants try to cut through, they break the seals off, they smash you padlocks off. As soon as that door opens they are in there and it’s like Black Friday,” Cary said, referring to the manic behaviour shoppers during the US discount shopping day that comes close to Thanksgiving.“I’ve got a curtain-sider. Migrants try to cut through, they break the seals off, they smash you padlocks off. As soon as that door opens they are in there and it’s like Black Friday,” Cary said, referring to the manic behaviour shoppers during the US discount shopping day that comes close to Thanksgiving.
No migrants were able to get in his truck, he said, but he had seen other drivers’ vehicles broken into. Many of the would-be migrants were armed with knives and crowbars, he said.No migrants were able to get in his truck, he said, but he had seen other drivers’ vehicles broken into. Many of the would-be migrants were armed with knives and crowbars, he said.
The life of a trucker stranded in Calais pic.twitter.com/ZPgU8xLttmThe life of a trucker stranded in Calais pic.twitter.com/ZPgU8xLttm
Cary said he faced attacks from striking French workers when he tried to make a last-minute switch to the Channel tunnel. He faced burning barricades when he arrived at that terminal. “I saw a lot of smoke, got a bit closer and the road’s on fire where they barricaded it,” Cary said.Cary said he faced attacks from striking French workers when he tried to make a last-minute switch to the Channel tunnel. He faced burning barricades when he arrived at that terminal. “I saw a lot of smoke, got a bit closer and the road’s on fire where they barricaded it,” Cary said.
Cary said it looked like workers had piled bales of hay with burning tyres in the road, but he decided to put his foot down and drive through. “They tried to throw things at me, throw things at my truck because I went through their barricade,” he said.Cary said it looked like workers had piled bales of hay with burning tyres in the road, but he decided to put his foot down and drive through. “They tried to throw things at me, throw things at my truck because I went through their barricade,” he said.
The French army were out alongside the riot police, Cary said, and soldiers were also patrolling the ferry terminal, where he was now stuck waiting for a ferry. But he said he wasn’t surprised by what he saw. “That’s just a normal day at Calais,” he said.The French army were out alongside the riot police, Cary said, and soldiers were also patrolling the ferry terminal, where he was now stuck waiting for a ferry. But he said he wasn’t surprised by what he saw. “That’s just a normal day at Calais,” he said.
4.59pm BST16:59 4.59pm BST
16:59
Here are some more pictures of migrants trying to get into vehicles they hope might bring them across the Channel. Calais is host to thousands of people who have fled their home countries and want to start a new life in the West.Here are some more pictures of migrants trying to get into vehicles they hope might bring them across the Channel. Calais is host to thousands of people who have fled their home countries and want to start a new life in the West.
4.45pm BST16:45 4.45pm BST
16:45
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
Paris-bound passengers at St Pancras International continue to express their frustration and disappointment.Paris-bound passengers at St Pancras International continue to express their frustration and disappointment.
Steve Anastasiadis, an advertising worker on holiday with his family of five from Sydney rued the fact that the dinner that had been waiting for them at friends in Paris would now be ruined.Steve Anastasiadis, an advertising worker on holiday with his family of five from Sydney rued the fact that the dinner that had been waiting for them at friends in Paris would now be ruined.
“The problem is that there is no clear information, just a muffled tannoy. It’s complete chaos here, at the moment they really aren’t doing a great job.”“The problem is that there is no clear information, just a muffled tannoy. It’s complete chaos here, at the moment they really aren’t doing a great job.”
Yasmina Fakheur, travelling back to Paris with her three year old said: “Now I’m really in the shit. I’ve got a meeting in Paris to get back to. I know it’s not easy to manage this, buy it is quite a scene here.”Yasmina Fakheur, travelling back to Paris with her three year old said: “Now I’m really in the shit. I’ve got a meeting in Paris to get back to. I know it’s not easy to manage this, buy it is quite a scene here.”
Little signal in St Pancras as travellers take to their laptops and smart phones trying to rebook tickets. pic.twitter.com/jVt7n0Hd7lLittle signal in St Pancras as travellers take to their laptops and smart phones trying to rebook tickets. pic.twitter.com/jVt7n0Hd7l
4.40pm BST16:40 4.40pm BST
16:40
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
Ola Odugbesan, a 59-year-old physician from Atlanta explained that he had been trapped on a Eurostar for two hours at st Pancras with little information about what was going on.Ola Odugbesan, a 59-year-old physician from Atlanta explained that he had been trapped on a Eurostar for two hours at st Pancras with little information about what was going on.
“I’m visiting from the States and I think it’s outrageous the way Eurostar have treated their passengers,” he said.“I’m visiting from the States and I think it’s outrageous the way Eurostar have treated their passengers,” he said.
“We have non refundable accommodation booked in Paris, and now we will have to find somewhere to sleep tonight. They should refund all the tickets and pay for accommodation.”“We have non refundable accommodation booked in Paris, and now we will have to find somewhere to sleep tonight. They should refund all the tickets and pay for accommodation.”
Staff could be heard telling people who were asking that question that there was “no guarantee” they would be reimbursed.Staff could be heard telling people who were asking that question that there was “no guarantee” they would be reimbursed.
Valiant attempts of police man to be heard in St Pancras chaos. #eurostar pic.twitter.com/9cYyqYausUValiant attempts of police man to be heard in St Pancras chaos. #eurostar pic.twitter.com/9cYyqYausU
At one point a community support officer told the swelling crowds: “Anyone who needs to get to Paris today there are no ferries and the tunnel is closed. The best advice is to find an alternative as quickly as possible.”At one point a community support officer told the swelling crowds: “Anyone who needs to get to Paris today there are no ferries and the tunnel is closed. The best advice is to find an alternative as quickly as possible.”
4.37pm BST16:37 4.37pm BST
16:37
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
There were chaotic scenes at St Pancras in London where angry people looking to take the Eurostar this afternoon were told that all services had been cancelled “due to a fire caused by activists in the euro tunnel”.There were chaotic scenes at St Pancras in London where angry people looking to take the Eurostar this afternoon were told that all services had been cancelled “due to a fire caused by activists in the euro tunnel”.
Community support police provided support to Eurostar staff to explain to the situation, explaining that damage had to be assessed before any trains could leave.Community support police provided support to Eurostar staff to explain to the situation, explaining that damage had to be assessed before any trains could leave.
Passengers were told that it would be tomorrow before any trains could leave for Paris, and tickets could be exchanged.Passengers were told that it would be tomorrow before any trains could leave for Paris, and tickets could be exchanged.
Lots of tears, anguish and frenzied internet activity here at St Pancras. All #Eurostar trains have been cancelled. pic.twitter.com/vVmuTZrkyHLots of tears, anguish and frenzied internet activity here at St Pancras. All #Eurostar trains have been cancelled. pic.twitter.com/vVmuTZrkyH
As the increasingly disgruntled crowds gathered around harassed looking staff they were told the ticket office was closing and all exchanges had to be made online.As the increasingly disgruntled crowds gathered around harassed looking staff they were told the ticket office was closing and all exchanges had to be made online.
But clients complained that they had no computers or connection, others said that the site kept crashing under the weight of demand.But clients complained that they had no computers or connection, others said that the site kept crashing under the weight of demand.
One tearful woman could be heard telling a community support officer that she had to be in Paris by tomorrow morning to catch a return flight to Australia. “I have three children waiting for me to get home,” she said.One tearful woman could be heard telling a community support officer that she had to be in Paris by tomorrow morning to catch a return flight to Australia. “I have three children waiting for me to get home,” she said.
Samy, a 42-year-old from Paris said the information given by staff was “pathetic”. “I am meant to be in work at 4pm today, which I won’t make now. And if I can find a hotel fortnight who is going to pay for it. They say rebook online but I haven’t got a smart phone to do that?”.Samy, a 42-year-old from Paris said the information given by staff was “pathetic”. “I am meant to be in work at 4pm today, which I won’t make now. And if I can find a hotel fortnight who is going to pay for it. They say rebook online but I haven’t got a smart phone to do that?”.
4.31pm BST16:31 4.31pm BST
16:31
Eurostar has an online form for passengers whose train has been cancelled or if the company has advised to postpone travel to exchange or refund tickets. It can be found here.Eurostar has an online form for passengers whose train has been cancelled or if the company has advised to postpone travel to exchange or refund tickets. It can be found here.
4.27pm BST16:27 4.27pm BST
16:27
Damien GayleDamien Gayle
My colleague Damien Gayle has spoken to a couple from Shrewsbury who are stuck in a hotel in the French port after they discovered the ferry terminal was blocked. He writes:My colleague Damien Gayle has spoken to a couple from Shrewsbury who are stuck in a hotel in the French port after they discovered the ferry terminal was blocked. He writes:
Paula and Bill Brady said they were was no way off the motorway once they reached the port and, after finding themselves on the road to Belgium, they turned back to Calais.Paula and Bill Brady said they were was no way off the motorway once they reached the port and, after finding themselves on the road to Belgium, they turned back to Calais.
As they returned they saw hundreds of migrants by the sides of the snarled up motorway trying to find their way into and onto vehicles they though might be bound for Britain.As they returned they saw hundreds of migrants by the sides of the snarled up motorway trying to find their way into and onto vehicles they though might be bound for Britain.
Paula said: “When we started going back there was just queues of traffic and all these migrants were just sat on the side of the road.Paula said: “When we started going back there was just queues of traffic and all these migrants were just sat on the side of the road.
“They were sitting there trying to get on trucks. We saw a transporter with cars on it, they tried to get on that. It was quite frightening really.“They were sitting there trying to get on trucks. We saw a transporter with cars on it, they tried to get on that. It was quite frightening really.
“We saw them open the door to one van. We saw them trying to get in these new cars, weighing up whether they could get underneath. I was going to take photos but I was too scared.”“We saw them open the door to one van. We saw them trying to get in these new cars, weighing up whether they could get underneath. I was going to take photos but I was too scared.”
Bill added: “All these people were running around looking in lorries, underneath lorries, on top of lorries.” He said he didn’t know how they all got word of the jam, given that migrant camps were some distance away. “We had the doors locked and the windows shut,” he added.Bill added: “All these people were running around looking in lorries, underneath lorries, on top of lorries.” He said he didn’t know how they all got word of the jam, given that migrant camps were some distance away. “We had the doors locked and the windows shut,” he added.
The Bradys’ son Andrew attempted to contact P&O Ferries over Twitter for help.The Bradys’ son Andrew attempted to contact P&O Ferries over Twitter for help.
@POferries Hello - my parents are in Calais waiting to cross. If they can get a hotel, can they use their ferry tickets tomorrow?@POferries Hello - my parents are in Calais waiting to cross. If they can get a hotel, can they use their ferry tickets tomorrow?
4.24pm BST16:24 4.24pm BST
16:24
Travellers in Calais are posting images and sharing their experiences of the gridlock on social media. Here’s a selection of tweets.Travellers in Calais are posting images and sharing their experiences of the gridlock on social media. Here’s a selection of tweets.
From Chris Cary, a British lorry driverFrom Chris Cary, a British lorry driver
The life of a trucker stranded in Calais pic.twitter.com/ZPgU8xLttmThe life of a trucker stranded in Calais pic.twitter.com/ZPgU8xLttm
Twitter user “Pirmasen” who describes himself as a Berufskraftfahrer, which in German roughly means “professional driver”.Twitter user “Pirmasen” who describes himself as a Berufskraftfahrer, which in German roughly means “professional driver”.
#Calais pic.twitter.com/wN59sMOjPx#Calais pic.twitter.com/wN59sMOjPx
Michelle McGee, who describes herself as Irish, living in south LondonMichelle McGee, who describes herself as Irish, living in south London
No movement here for a few hours #Calais pic.twitter.com/Gowepb6DF0No movement here for a few hours #Calais pic.twitter.com/Gowepb6DF0
4.07pm BST16:07 4.07pm BST
16:07
Transport companies have been forced to suspend services to Calais due to the strike by employees of the French ferry company MyFerryLink, who are protesting against plans to sell two of their ferries to rival firm DFDS.Transport companies have been forced to suspend services to Calais due to the strike by employees of the French ferry company MyFerryLink, who are protesting against plans to sell two of their ferries to rival firm DFDS.
The action has caused severe disruption on both sides of the Channel. In the UK, police implemented Operation Stack, where lorries are parked on the M20 in Kent and non-freight traffic diverted off the motorway, as freight traffic on the roads approaching the Port of Dover increases.The action has caused severe disruption on both sides of the Channel. In the UK, police implemented Operation Stack, where lorries are parked on the M20 in Kent and non-freight traffic diverted off the motorway, as freight traffic on the roads approaching the Port of Dover increases.
TRAFFIC: #OpStack is likely to remain in place on the #M20 through the night and into tomorrow due to industrial action in #CalaisTRAFFIC: #OpStack is likely to remain in place on the #M20 through the night and into tomorrow due to industrial action in #Calais
Eurotunnel is advising against all but essential travelEurotunnel is advising against all but essential travel
If your journey is not essential, we recommend that you postpone your trip today. ^LDIf your journey is not essential, we recommend that you postpone your trip today. ^LD
And Eurostar, which runs services to Paris and Brussels, is not able to run any trains through the tunnel.And Eurostar, which runs services to Paris and Brussels, is not able to run any trains through the tunnel.
We are currently unable to run any trains through the tunnel due to a fire outside caused by @MyFerryLink demonstrators. Updates to follow.We are currently unable to run any trains through the tunnel due to a fire outside caused by @MyFerryLink demonstrators. Updates to follow.
Ferry operator DFDS has suspended services to Calais and reported delays to Dunkirk.Ferry operator DFDS has suspended services to Calais and reported delays to Dunkirk.
Dover-Calais: Services are still suspended due to the industrial action at the Port of Calais. Proceed to port to be transferred to Dunkirk.Dover-Calais: Services are still suspended due to the industrial action at the Port of Calais. Proceed to port to be transferred to Dunkirk.
P&O is hopeful to resume services at 7.30pm but has no ship movements since early this morning.P&O is hopeful to resume services at 7.30pm but has no ship movements since early this morning.
[Calais] Based on current information we hope to commence operation at approx. 19h30 in Calais. Next update at 16h30[Calais] Based on current information we hope to commence operation at approx. 19h30 in Calais. Next update at 16h30
[Calais] Calais Port closed due to Industrial Action by MFL. Currently no ships movements in Port.[Calais] Calais Port closed due to Industrial Action by MFL. Currently no ships movements in Port.
Updated at 4.11pm BST Updated
3.52pm BST15:52 at 4.11pm BST
3.52pm BST
15:52
There are some incredible images coming into the Guardian picture desk of the unfolding chaos in Calais. Here’s a selection:There are some incredible images coming into the Guardian picture desk of the unfolding chaos in Calais. Here’s a selection:
3.47pm BST15:47 3.47pm BST
15:47
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Welcome to the live coverage of the travel chaos sparked by a chaotic combination of protest and industrial action in Calais.Welcome to the live coverage of the travel chaos sparked by a chaotic combination of protest and industrial action in Calais.
The UK’s main transport links to the continent have been left at a standstill after protesters in the French port “broke into” the channel tunnel, prompting all Eurotunnel services to be suspended for safety reasons.The UK’s main transport links to the continent have been left at a standstill after protesters in the French port “broke into” the channel tunnel, prompting all Eurotunnel services to be suspended for safety reasons.
A wildcat strike by French ferry workers had already caused the cancellation of cross-channel ferry services, leaving the south of England without its two main transport routes to northern France.A wildcat strike by French ferry workers had already caused the cancellation of cross-channel ferry services, leaving the south of England without its two main transport routes to northern France.
The UK government advised holidaymakers and lorry drivers travelling through Calais to be extra vigilant amid reports that migrants were attempting to exploit the disruption to break into the back of the gridlocked vehicles.The UK government advised holidaymakers and lorry drivers travelling through Calais to be extra vigilant amid reports that migrants were attempting to exploit the disruption to break into the back of the gridlocked vehicles.
#Calais pic.twitter.com/bmrJijrX9V#Calais pic.twitter.com/bmrJijrX9V
Updated at 3.51pm BST Updated
at 3.51pm BST