An individual living at a migrant camp in one of London’s most exclusive streets was pictured defecating against a fence shortly before a visit from Tory MP Chris Philp. The Shadow Home Secretary joined the Express’ Investigations Editor, Zak Garner-Purkis, at the site in Park Lane before it was cleared and the occupants were moved on by officials on Thursday morning. An investigation revealed organised begging being carried out from the site, and people drinking vodka as early as 6am.
One person staying there even offered Express reporters sex during one visit. When Mr Philp dropped by, he told of his frustration that the camp had not been cleared at the time, before he confronted people living there. The MP asked one man: “How come you’re living here in tents?” A different individual then shouted at him in response. Mr Philp told him: “Take it easy. Take it easy.” The same man told Chris and Zak to leave, but the Express journalist retorted that they were in a public area, and they were allowed to be there.
Another man told Mr Philp that people at the camp are from Romania and Bulgaria, before appearing to ask Chris and Zak to go and speak to another group of people in the area.
Before it was dismantled, the camp consisted of around 30 people and 19 tents. But earlier today (Thursday), bailiffs arrived at around 5 a.m. to move those living at the camp on, thanks to the Express bringing attention to the issue.
A TfL spokesperson said: “No one should be faced with sleeping rough on London’s streets. Park Lane is a busy part of the road network that is not a safe place for people to sleep rough, and our focus has always been on the safety and welfare of everyone involved.
“We had to take enforcement action to regain possession of the site on two occasions last year; however, a number of people have returned with tents and other belongings.
“In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved, we were granted a possession order at the Central London County Court in May.
“Outreach efforts have been continuing, but the encampment has remained in place, meaning we have been left with no option but to take further enforcement action to gain possession of the site.
“There is no safe option for rough sleepers to remain at the site, and we will continue to work with our partners to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.”
The Express also contacted Sir Sadiq’s office for comment, which deferred to TfL.