Migrants living in a "tent city" in central London have revealed how much can be made from begging, with one saying she earns just £1 for three hours of begging. The encampment, located on a central reservation in Euston Road, has been there since the Covid pandemic. Some locals have complained it is an eyesore, accusing residents of urinating in public, street-drinking, gambling, and begging. However, two migrants from the camp deny that its inhabitants cause trouble.
Residents Defend Themselves Against Criminal Claims
Liliana, a Romanian national who came to the UK seeking a better life, said those at the site only beg when they have to in order to buy food. She stated: "[We are] not criminals. People on TikTok, Facebook, saying these people are criminals. If we were criminals, police would come to arrest us... People aren't coming here for money. [Those from the camp who beg are] only getting £1 for three hours begging. People think these people are drug addicts and drinkers, but they aren't."
The 50-year-old grandmother, who has been in Britain since 2017, said she moved with her husband to the camp from Boston, Lincolnshire, four months ago. She had been working in factories in the market town but relocated to London when the work dried up. Since then, Liliana said she has worked zero-hour contracts cleaning in hotels, earning £13 an hour for six or seven hours a day. However, her earnings were not enough to afford rent in the city, so she ended up at the encampment, where about 30 to 40 tents are squeezed together in two rows on the central reservation.
Residents' Backgrounds and Local Concerns
Liliana said her family back in Romania "have nothing" and she would not beg unless she was desperate. A second migrant, who did not want to give his name, told the Express he has lived at the camp for five years and has worked as a decorator and at a roadside car-wash, but is now looking for work. He admitted to begging when he needed food but said he would not gamble.
The encampment lies inside Sir Keir Starmer's constituency, yards away from University College Hospital and Warren Street Underground Station. Those sleeping rough at the camp come from several countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, and the UK.
Official Responses and Charity Statement
Camden Council said it is concerned for the welfare of those rough sleeping in Euston Road, and its "urgent" focus is to help rebuild their lives off the streets. A spokesman said: "This means finding suitable accommodation and providing the range of support they need, while working with community partners to make sure the area is safe and maintained for everyone."
The Metropolitan Police said neighbourhood officers are aware of the camp and are working closely with others to find a long-term solution. A spokesperson for the force added: "We would encourage anyone who believes they have witnessed criminal activity to contact the police via 101 or online so the matter can be investigated."
Homeless charity St Mungo's said the fact people are forced to sleep rough in the UK in the 21st century is a scandal. A spokesperson said: "For too long, people have been forced to bed down on pavements where they face abuse, trauma and worsening mental and physical health with every single night they continue to sleep rough." They welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham's pledge to end rough sleeping in England, but said his challenge now is to act to end a moral tragedy once and for all.
