Family ties are mentioned at few times, including the case of the protagonist of the story. This article[0] expands on it: > For most, the attraction of Britai

Family ties are mentioned at few times, including the case of the protagonist of the story. This article[0] expands on it: > For most, the attraction of Britain lies in family ties, the English language and the UK's reputation as both generous to asylum-seekers and – at least until recently – economically successful. Around a third have already spent time in the UK and are making their second, third or even fourth clandestine crossing of the Channel. And further from [1]: > The migrants in Calais all have one thing in common: they come from countries that were colonised by Britain. There are almost no refugees in Calais from former French colonies. The British empire is not old history, it still shapes people’s lives today. Many people have friends and family already in the UK. Many speak English, which is often the main language taught in school. There is still the myth of Britain as the ‘mother of democracy’, a safe haven of human rights. People are keen to start a new life as quickly as possible, so coming to a country where you know the language makes much more sense. [0] http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/08/asylum-france-sangatte-immigration-calais http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/08/asylum-france-s... [1] https://leedsnoborders.wordpress.com/faq-on-migration-asylum-calais/ https://leedsnoborders.wordpress.com/faq-on-migration-asylum...