“We are devastated by yet another completely preventable tragedy in the English Channel over the weekend. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the survivors of the incident.  

This tragic loss of life reminds us of the human cost of the Government’s prioritisation of ineffective deterrence measures at the expense of humane, compassionate, and effective alternatives for those who need our protection.  

People will continue to put their lives at risk if they feel they have no other choice. 

The Government must prioritise keeping people safe, rather than keeping people out: there will be more dangerous journeys and more tragic and unacceptable deaths, unless safe journeys are made possible for those who need them.”