Migrant tragedy in the Channel

2021 has seen more than 23,000 migrants risk the journey across the Channel to the UK. In the greatest loss of life so far, last week 27 people died attempting the treacherous crossing. Their small, inflatable dinghy was spotted by a fisherman who raised the alarm. Sadly, only two people could be rescued.

Migrants and refugees unable to obtain a UK visa turn to people traffickers. Although assured that their passage across Europe will be safe, the last stretch of the journey, across the world’s busiest shipping lane, is frequently made in flimsy boats.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin blames the people smugglers.

Gerald Darmanin: "I want to say here that the first people responsible for this despicable situation are the smugglers. That is to say criminals who, for a few thousand euros, organise the trafficking of human beings from Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and Asia. And who then use these people to bring them to Belgium, the Netherlands and France, especially, to cross the Channel and reach Great Britain."

Sleeping rough in and around the French port of Calais, the migrants await departure to the UK.

The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is seeking an end to these hazardous crossings and is appealing to Europe to combat the people traffickers.

Boris Johnson: "Of course we have to work with our French friends, with our European partners. And I say to our partners across the Channel, now is the time for us all to step up, to work together, to do everything we can to break these gangs, who are literally getting away with murder."

French authorities have detained four people who they believe are responsible for the recent deaths. This follows 1,500 other traffickers being arrested this year alone.

However, whilst European countries consider unity necessary to tackle the issue, they strongly disagree with Johnson’s approach, which he outlined in a letter tweeted to the French president.

Calais resident Mehdi Dimpre sees a political failure.

Mehdi Dimpre: "It's serious, it makes me angry. It's not normal that things happen like that. And it's not normal that at the political level this is where we are today. It's not normal – makes me angry!" Weniger anzeigen