Visitors of Paris have made their feelings clear on migrants occupying an iconic French theatre in the capital as businesses surrounding the new home to migrants suffer as a result.
The iconic Gaîté Lyrique theatre in Paris has been occupied by a group of more than 440 migrants, which have called themselves the "Collectif des jeunes du Parc de Belleville", and are protesting against the Government for "ignoring" and "abandoning" them.
The migrants were originally allowed into the venue under a ‘Refugees Welcome in France’ conference, which gave them free tickets by the managers.
After being asked to "move on" twice by those occupying the theatre, GB News reporter Dougie Beattie revealed that two migrants who were at the theatre were arrested by undercover police.
Paris visitors have aired their views on migrants occupying an iconic theatre in the city
GB News / X
Asking for the views of visitors to the French city on the migrant crisis, holidaymakers told GB News that it is inevitable that businesses will suffer, as people "do not want to shop there".
One man told Dougie: "If they've taken over and they're not welcome here, why would business not go down?
"I wouldn't come and shop here, would you?"
However, one younger visitor appeared to be in favour of the migrants occupying the theatre, claiming: "I think it's okay. It's just diversity, so for me it's okay. It's just the atmosphere of Paris."
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The group have been occupying the theatre for almost 100 days after being welcomed with free tickets to a 'refugees welcome' conferenceX / Collectif des Jeunes du Parc de BellevilleAnother visitor also appeared to be in favour of the migrants's protest against the French Government, explaining: "If that's what they're protesting for then yeah, I think they should have housing - of course they should.
"Any protest needs to be disruptive in some way to get a result, so I think it's very valid."
Discussing how the local businesses feel about the situation, Dougie told GB News viewers that many are "nervous" to speak to the media about their concerns through fear of being "hassled" by the migrants.
He said: "Most people that are in that boat don't actually want to speak to us, because the businesses in and around this area, if you can imagine that the theatre creates business for the cafes, etc., well, it's not doing that anymore.
Paris visitors told GB News that they 'wouldn't shop' around the city
GB News
"And most people are very nervous because they feel that they may be hassled in some way. We've been moved on twice this morning by those from inside the theatre telling us to go away, we shouldn't be filming - so really, there is a problem here."
Comparing the situation to the ongoing migrant crisis in the UK, Dougie added: "It's pretty much like how it is in the rest of Great Britain. When you get migrants in their place, it's very hard to shift them. And the commerce in this area really suffers."
Reacting to the views of Paris visitors, host Bev Turner admitted she was "speechless" at the situation, to which cohost Andrew Pierce concluded: "So those bleeding heart liberals who invited them in are now bitterly regretting what they did."
In a statement, the Gaîté Lyrique management said: "We call on the Paris City Hall, cultural stakeholders, representatives of the social and solidarity economy, civil society and committed public authorities to defend a common vision, shared values, the ambition to come together and act collectively.
"We call on them to mobilise now to preserve the Gaîté Lyrique and save an open, fertile and supportive place, to participate in the Fabrique of the era.
"La Gaîté Lyrique and its entire team will be able to resume management, maintenance and operation of the building once the competent authorities have provided shelter to the occupants and met the safety and health conditions necessary for the reintegration of employees and residents."
