PM speaks with Macron following Channel tragedy

The Prime Minister spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday evening following a migrant boat accident yesterday afternoon in the English Channel, in which as many as 33 people are reported to have died, including a little girl.

Around 10 other migrants have died in recent weeks attempting this journey.

The leaders agreed on the urgency of stepping up joint efforts to prevent these deadly crossings and to do everything possible to stop the gangs responsible for putting people’s lives at risk.

They underlined the importance of close working with neighbours in Belgium and the Netherlands as well as partners across the continent if we are to tackle the problem effectively before people reach the French coast.

Both leaders were clear that today’s tragic loss of life was a stark reminder that it is vital to keep all options on the table to stop these lethal crossings and break the business model of the criminal gangs behind them.