MP Confronted at Illegal Migrant Camp Amidst Policy Debate

A senior Conservative MP, Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, encountered an angry migrant at an illegal camp located on Park Lane in London. The man confronted Philp, accusing him of racism and shouting at him and an accompanying reporter. The incident occurred at a site where approximately 15 makeshift tents and shelters had been erected. The camp has since been dismantled, and the occupants evicted.

The confrontation followed another incident where a migrant at the camp had used offensive language towards a reporter who inquired about their continued presence despite a court order for removal. Philp had visited the camp with a reporter to express concerns about potential changes to police powers regarding the clearing of illegal migrant camps.

Philp voiced his worries about the government's plans to repeal legislation that grants police the authority to move people on, without introducing any replacement legislation. The government had previously announced its intention to repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824 by spring 2026. This act currently criminalizes rough sleeping in England and Wales. Philp warned that this move could lead to an increase in encampments of homeless individuals and emphasized the need for strong enforcement powers alongside support for rough sleepers.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that new legislation would be introduced to address organized begging by gangs and trespassing. They emphasized their focus on tackling the root causes of homelessness, supported by significant funding for support services. The ministry also clarified that ending the criminalization of rough sleeping would not prevent addressing anti-social behavior, with existing and new laws continuing to protect communities.

The Park Lane camp, situated near Hyde Park, a Hilton Hotel, and The Dorchester Hotel, housed around 30 people. Bailiffs arrived at the site to evict the group. Transport for London (TfL) had previously been granted a repossession order to remove the camp.

During an investigation, reporters witnessed various instances of anti-social behavior at the camp. A Westminster City Council spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the camp's clearance, highlighting the council's support in removing waste and directing displaced individuals to appropriate services. The spokesperson emphasized that the central reservation of Park Lane was not a safe place to live and that the associated anti-social behavior was unacceptable. They also noted that this was the third such clearance in the past year and that they were working with TfL to find a long-term solution to the persistent issues at the site.