Achi news desk-
The Channel is recognized as the busiest shipping lane in the world, with over 400-500 shipping trips every day.
Tens of thousands of people attempt the perilous crossing in small boats every year.
Following reports of the deaths, Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “These tragedies must stop. I will not accept a status quo that 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 bad people smuggling gangs, so that they are no longer endangering lives.”
Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson said the reports were “absolutely chilling”.
Asked about the reports on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he said: “It’s absolutely horrifying to hear that. We have now had deaths in the Channel for nine consecutive months.
The Refugee Council described the reports as “devastating” and “even more tragic” coming just hours after the Rwanda Bill was passed in Parliament.
Enver Solomon, the council’s chief executive, said: “It is shocking to hear of the loss of even more lives in the Channel this morning. Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected.
“This is another devastating human tragedy that could and should have been avoided – and that it happened just hours after the Government’s Rwanda Bill became law makes it even more tragic.
“The only sustainable way to reduce dangerous journeys across the world’s busiest shipping lane is for the Government to reduce the need for desperate people to take desperate measures.
“Instead of hostile, headline-grabbing legislation, we need to see safe routes for those fleeing conflict and persecution, including more options for family reunification, refugee visas, and cooperation with our European neighbours.
“We don’t need costly and impractical laws – we need a fair and humane process that upholds the right to asylum, ensuring that refugees are treated with dignity and respect.”
