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Home Secretary James Cleverly has said tragedies in the English Channel “have to stop” after reports five people including a child have died in the stretch of water between Britain and France.
His remarks came just hours after MPs passed new legislation to send arrivals to Rwanda with Rishi Sunak insistent he would let nothing “stand in our way” to start sending asylum seekers to Africa on flights in July.
The tragedy was first reported by French media earlier today after the country’s coastguard launched a major rescue operation off Wimereux, close to Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Officials said three men had died alongside a woman and a child. Hundreds of people had reportedly set off for the UK from France this morning to take advantage of calm weather conditions.
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Father watched young daughter ‘die before his eyes’ – refugee charity
We knew the little girl well. We have photos with her, with a big smile on her face, in the hope of a better life.
But now, everything is ruined. Her father fell into our arms right away. He was crying, in a daze. He saw his little daughter die before his eyes.
James Cleverly – These tragedies have to stop
These tragedies have to stop. I will not accept a status quo which costs so many lives.
This Government is doing everything we can to end this trade, stop the boats and ultimately break the business model of the evil people smuggling gangs, so they no longer put lives at risk.
Child confirmed among the dead
Around 5am this morning, a small boat (with more than 10 people) set sail; from German beach (Wimereux).
After an initial stranding on a sandbank, the boat set out to sea again. A crowd movement apparently occurred in the overloaded boat, causing several victims.
Good morning
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James Cleverly – These tragedies have to stop
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Child confirmed among the dead