In an unprecedented move, a British Border Force vessel has returned a migrant boat back to France following a tragic incident where a refugee died in the Channel. This marks the first time in history that such an action has been taken by the UK.
The boat, which was rescued by a British vessel, was sent back to France at the request of the French coast guard. Despite the historical nature of this event, it does not signal an official change in UK Government policy. It is believed that those on board required immediate medical attention.
Earlier today, French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the ongoing migrant crisis, stating that there is “no silver bullet” to stopping the flow of small boats crossing the Channel. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed the call for greater cooperation between the UK and Europe at the fourth European Political Community summit.
Speaking to European leaders in Oxford, the Prime Minister described the situation as a full-blown “crisis.” He emphasized the need for a resolute approach to tackle the “vile trade of people smuggling,” highlighting the human cost of the crisis.
“We must bring resolve to another challenge facing our continent, the vile trade of people smuggling,” Starmer said. “Let’s be frank, challenge is the wrong word, it is now a crisis.”
He continued, “As we speak, as we gather here, a criminal empire is at work in every country represented here today, profiting off human misery and desperation. They are prepared to send infants, babies, pregnant mothers, innocent people to their deaths. Last week, four more souls, and last night another one, were lost in the waters of the English Channel – a chilling reminder of the human cost of this vile trade.”
The recent death in the Channel comes after a boat carrying up to 67 migrants had to be rescued off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France. French authorities reported that 63 people were rescued, but four are believed to have perished.
A French navy patrol vessel responded to reports of migrants falling into the water, highlighting the perilous nature of these crossings.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Channel and the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and the criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals.
