FreeRepublic , LLC
PO BOX 9771
FRESNO, CA 93794
STOP BY A BUMP THE FUNDRAISER THREAD
Posted on 06/16/2002 4:10:56 PM PDT by DeaconBenjamin
Truck drivers are carrying guns illegally as violent assaults by asylum seekers hiding in their vehicles increase
LONDON - British truck drivers returning from the European mainland are carrying guns illegally to protect themselves from violent attacks by asylum seekers hiding in their vehicles.
During the past four months, 18 long-distance truck drivers have been attacked by refugees from eastern Europe and China trying to get to Britain.
Three of the drivers were stabbed, one seriously.
Another two were battered by iron bars and one was tied up and bashed on the head until he lost consciousness.
The trouble starts when the drivers search their lorries for asylum seekers before ferry crossings from France and Holland to Britain.
If British immigration officers find refugees on any vehicle reaching Dover, Folkestone or any other port, the driver can be fined £2,000 (S$5,284) for each person found.
London-based lorry owner Mr Frank Sangster, 38, told The Straits Times: 'The asylum seekers are getting more violent. They are becoming increasingly desperate to reach Britain to find illegal work and start a new life.
'Many have paid their life savings to human-smuggling gangs to reach France and Holland from places like Afghanistan, Kosovo and China. If they are discovered on the last leg, into Britain, they become furious.
'I do not carry weapons, but two of my friends have armed themselves with shotguns for personal safety.'
Mr Mike Freeman, international spokesman for the Road Haulage Association, said: 'Drivers are taking increasingly desperate measures to try to protect themselves. We know some drivers are carrying guns, which is illegal.
'Most carry baseball bats or anti-personnel sprays. They fear for their lives. The problem is so severe now that someone will be killed soon in these clashes.'
Managing director Darren Jeavons of West Midlands hauliers Jeavons Eurotir said: 'One of my drivers was sprayed in the face by stowaways. It was the third attack on my men in a month.'
The British government has revealed that last year 89,765 people sought asylum - the highest figure of any European country. Germany had 88,363 applications and France 47,263.
Most of the refugees coming into Britain are from east European countries, but there are a substantial number from the southern Chinese province of Fujian.
This week, British Home Secretary David Blunkett will travel to Paris for talks with French Interior Minister Nicholas Sarkozy on how to halt the increasing number of refugees using Channel Tunnel trains.
Britain is quite, merrily, mad.
There is an old saying once popular in England: "God protects the drunk and the Englishman".
Perhaps this is what the U.K. is depending on?
Most likely.
Blindness appears to be rampant amongst politicians everywhere. Look at our US politicians....they continue to turn a blind eye, even though Americans are paying a high price for the invasion.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.