 Refugee charities have warned 'more people will die' unless more safe routes to the UK are created after six people died in the English Channel yesterday. The number of people rescued from the doomed boat has been increased to 59 overnight – but six people lost their lives after the overloaded boat got into difficulty near Sangatte, off the coast of France. The government is under renewed pressure to tackle small boat Channel crossings in light of the deaths, which have been called an 'appalling and preventable tragedy'. French and British coastguards were involved in the rescue, and it's thought the boat which sunk was one of a number which set off in hopes of reaching the UK coast on Saturday. Writing in the Sunday Express, Conservative backbencher and former party chairman Sir Jake Berry said: 'We must put a stop to the vile people smugglers who trade in human misery and whose actions result in the loss of life.' Meanwhile shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said action to deter criminal gangs facilitating the journeys was 'desperately' necessary. Care4Calais said the incident was an 'appalling and preventable tragedy' while the Refugee Council warned 'more people will die' unless more safe routes to the UK are created. Home Secretary Suella Braverman described the incident as a 'tragic loss of life' and said she had chaired a meeting with Border Force officials later on Saturday. At least one person was taken into the care of emergency services when arriving on shore (Picture: Stuart Brock via REUTERS) It comes after dozens of asylum seekers were removed from the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge. Senior Conservative backbencher David Davis said the 'startling incompetence' of the Home Office had been revealed after all 39 on board the 500-capacity vessel were disembarked due to the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water supply. However, ministers intend to push on wi){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Refugee charities have warned ‘more people will die’ unless more safe routes to the UK are created after six people died in the English Channel yesterday.
The number of people rescued from the doomed boat has been increased to 59 overnight – but six people lost their lives after the overloaded boat got into difficulty near Sangatte, off the coast of France.
The government is under renewed pressure to tackle small boat Channel crossings in light of the deaths, which have been called an ‘appalling and preventable tragedy’.
French and British coastguards were involved in the rescue, and it’s thought the boat which sunk was one of a number which set off in hopes of reaching the UK coast on Saturday.