Rival groups clashed over immigration in Folkestone today.

A pro-migrants demonstration organised by Folkestone United was met by counter protests from Britain First and the English Defence League (EDL).

The three groups were kept apart by a heavy police presence as they gathered at the Eurotunnel service entrance on the A20.

They all walked a mile up the road to overlook the Channel Tunnel entrance where speeches were made.

The largely peaceful but noisy demonstrations passed off without incident, apart from when a couple Britain First people tried to cross the road to Folkestone United and were pushed back by police.

Bridget Chapman, from Folkestone United, said: “We want to send a message to the migrants that there are lots of people who support them and we stand with them as fellow human beings. We need to show them some respect.

“We want to send a message to the press – some of the reporting has been very irresponsible. They have been described as a swarm which is disgusting.

“We also question Eurotunnel’s security and health and safety. How can a young boy die on the top of one of their trucks?”
Asked about people of Kent who have been affected by Operation Stack, she said: “I am sorry if people have been inconvenienced but it just that, an inconvenience.

“We are talking about people who are in such a desperate situation they are risking their lives to get to the UK. The difference between being slightly delayed and ending up dead on top of a train is quite a big one.

“The country can deal with more migrants. We need to take our fair share.”

Folkestone United demonstrators, who numbered around 30, had placards stating Stop Tunnel Deaths, People Before Profits in the Tunnel.

Those from Britain First stood behind Union Jacks and played loud music while the EDL had their own banners.

Lee Wilson, from the EDL, which had around 10 people present, said: “We cannot afford to have any more migrants.

“There is no housing or jobs here. Immigration should be capped.”

Fellow EDL member Morgan Emma said: “We are not racists, we are realists.
“We are flooded by immigration that we cannot afford to pay for.”

Britain First leader Paul Golding had a group of around 40 members.

He said: “Immigration is killing this country. We are here to oppose left wing people who want to open the floodgates and allow them in. People in this country are fed up – we are here to take our country back. It is time we put our own people first.”