Green Party leader Zack Polanski has suggested France is not a safe country for illegal migrants in an “unusual” Christmas message to the nation.Mr Polanski, who was accused of being disrespectful after releasing his message at the same time as the King’s Speech, filmed his message after visiting migrant camps in Calais. The Green leader met with illegal migrants preparing to embark on the perilous 21-mile journey across the Channel, with more than 41,000 having already completed the journey so far in 2025.Speaking from aboard a boat returning from Calais, Mr Polanski said: “I’m on the ferry coming back from Calais.”About 50 of these journeys happen every single day. Waved my passport and through I went. “I’m really aware, though, that I’ve been the last few days with lots of people who do not have that privilege.”And they’re trying to make this crossing because they literally have no other choice.”The images and video you’re about to see won’t centre the voices of the people I have met and that’s for deliberate reason; to preserve their dignity.”But I do want you to see some of what I’ve witnessed over the last few days through my eyes.”And telling this story on Christmas Day for a reason. So often, I ask you to like and share my videos and I appreciate that.”But Christmas Day is a day when most people, not everyone, are around other people.”So, gather around, because there’s a story you need to hear about what’s happening in Calais. “And it’s the complete opposite to the misinformation and lies we are fed every single day.”Starting his official message, Mr Polanski continued: “People will often say that France is a safe country and sure, if you’re a British citizen going on holiday to Nice, I’m sure it’s lovely.”Calais is not a safe place. Some of the things I’ve seen over the last few days will stick with me for a long time.”The Green leader went on to show French police clamping down on illegal migrant camps in Calais, including the removal of wood from sites. “It is a farcical, deadly cycle that everyone is involved with,” Mr Polanski continued.”And we’re funding it. The UK Government is giving £476million over a three-year deal for the militarisation and securitisation of Calais.”We should be diverting that money to a humanitarian and compassionate response.”The Green leader added: “The rhetoric we hear about ‘stopping the boats’ and ‘smashing the gangs’, none of this is working.”In fact, there’s evidence that this whole performative cruelty is actually pushing up the boat crossings and we know that the boat crossings are rising.”Mr Polanski also railed against the “political rhetoric and demonisation” of migrants, adding: “I don’t believe that we are the country that the media paint us to be.”Concluding his message, the Green leader said: “I realise some of this could be an unusual Christmas Day message but actually at the heart of all of it is compassion, kindness and humanity.”Whether you’re religious or not, I think that’s something we can all do more of in 2026.”