Near the gates of Downing Street last Saturday, a crowd of around 250 people gathered, waving placards and listening to speakers passionately calling for compassion for migrants.
Among the slogans, one stood out: “Jesus was a Refugee.”
Supporters ranged from pensioners to students in bobble hats, creating a scene of earnest activism that reflected both charity and political advocacy.
Unlikely Allies Join Forces
The rally was organized by Care4Calais (C4C), a charity providing food and clothing to migrants in Calais, and Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), an organisation linked to the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) and championing open borders.
Their combined effort, made clear on online posters, carried the message: “Don’t let the far-Right divide us at Christmas.”
The collaboration highlights the increasingly political nature of what began as purely humanitarian work.
Controversy Clouds Good Intentions
The timing of the event, however, raised eyebrows.
The Home Office had recently accused an Iraqi-Kurdish trafficker of using C4C as a cover while recruiting migrants for illegal crossings to the UK.
This coincided with rising public concern over mass migration and high-profile criminal cases involving newly arrived migrants, fueling debate over the consequences of open-border advocacy.
From Mother to Political Player
C4C was founded ten years ago by Clare Moseley, a middle-class Liverpool mother and accountant, who initially went to Calais to provide aid to refugees.
The charity has since evolved into a highly organized political force, employing hundreds of volunteers and collaborating with figures like Weyman Bennett, a veteran Socialist Workers Party activist.
Together, they staged events, protests, and music festivals, intertwining charitable work with activism.
Early Days in Calais
Moseley’s journey began in 2015, inspired by news coverage of the refugee crisis.
She established a warehouse in Calais to distribute food and clothing, leaving her family behind in Britain.
Her dedication was personal and intense, though not without complications. Reports surfaced of a personal affair with a migrant and financial mismanagement, which drew criticism from the Charity Commission.
High-Profile Support and Fundraising
C4C gained widespread attention after US musician will.i.am spent hours in The Jungle, the migrant camp near Calais, calling volunteers “angels” to millions of followers.
This helped the charity raise over £1.8 million annually, both through donations and merchandise like “Jesus was a Refugee” apparel.
Yet, French authorities claimed such publicity contributed to migrants flocking to Calais, prompting authorities to demolish the camps.
Documentary Spotlight and Allegations
Recent media attention, including a Talk TV documentary, raised questions about the charity’s role in migration.
Investigations showed that traffickers allegedly exploited connections with C4C to transport migrants to Britain.
While the charity denies wrongdoing, these claims put it under intense scrutiny, highlighting the blurred line between humanitarian aid and political influence.
Political and Activist Networks
Moseley’s work is deeply entwined with political activism.
Her links with Weyman Bennett and organisations like SUTR and Love Music Hate Racism illustrate the merging of charity with left-wing political campaigning.
Together, they organize protests, concerts, and campaigns that challenge far-right narratives while advocating for migrants, showcasing a strategic, high-profile activism network.
Public Debate Intensifies
C4C now sits at the center of a heated national conversation about migration, charity, and political influence.
Volunteers continue to operate in Calais, providing food and guidance to migrants, while authorities and media scrutinize their actions.
Some argue they genuinely help refugees, while others accuse them of enabling illegal crossings and exposing the public to risk.
From Compassion to Controversy
What began as the personal mission of a concerned mother has grown into a complex, politically charged organisation.
Care4Calais exemplifies how charitable efforts can evolve into a broader socio-political force, prompting both admiration for humanitarian work and criticism for its unintended consequences.
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