Eurotunnel in £22m demand

THE taxpayer may have to pay up to £22million in compensation to Eurotunnel for disruption caused by last summer’s migrant chaos.

The firm has asked both the British and French governments to reimburse it for lost trade after thousands of migrants stormed the tunnel in July and August.

The Chunnel operator faced heavy disruption as migrants from the Jungle camp in Calais repeatedly tried to enter Britain.

It has applied to its regulator the Intergovernmental Commission for the payout.

The French and British government have responsibility for border control and security and in 2000 Eurotunnel successfully claimed around £13million for disruption. The £ 22million claim would probably be split between the two coun- tries. The firm also asked for almost £5million to cover extra security.

Chief executive Jacques Gounon said: ‘ As long as migrants continue to arrive in Europe there will be an issue. We must anticipate this and not just react.’

On compensation, he said: ‘They will check the figures carefully but I am sure we will reach an agreement.

‘In this situation the states are responsible for border controls and security and for public order. We have very good relationships with the governments and exceptional cooperation.’

Posting a 5 per cent rise in annual sales to £930million yesterday, Eurotunnel said there has been no disruption to services since last October following strengthened border security at the Coquelles terminal.