In response to reports of at least one death in the English Channel, Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UK’s Refugee and Migrant Rights Director, said:

“Once again this is terrible news and our hearts and thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who has died, and everyone who experienced this dreadful event.

“We cannot forget that the reason people attempt these dangerous journeys is the absence of safe alternatives to escape the miserable and unsafe conditions in which they are caught.

“Governments must stop threatening people for seeking asylum from war and persecution, and stop punishing them for the traumas and exploitation they must endure to seek safety.

“Regrettably, the UK government has set all its efforts to simply increasing the suffering of people – even in the face of tragedies such as today’s – while allowing the smuggling gangs to continue to thrive.”