In response to reports that four people died earlier today trying to cross the Channel - the first reported Channel-crossing deaths this year - Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UK’s Refugee and Migrant Rights Director, said:

“It is extremely painful to learn once again that people have died seeking safety in the UK.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends who have lost their loved ones, and to the survivors of this latest tragedy who have suffered the trauma of death and desperation in the Channel.

“Sadly, we know the response of Government will almost certainly be to repeat that more must be done to stop boats with no thought or effort to address the needs of the people who keep getting into them.

“But refusing to act to help traumatised and desperate people find real safety – not even those with family and friends here to support them – is irresponsible and no way to respect, still less save, human life.”