French authorities reported that one person tragically died while attempting to cross the English Channel from France on Wednesday. The incident occurred when an overcrowded rubber dinghy deflated off the coast of Gravelines in northern France. The Maritime Prefect of the English Channel and the North Sea confirmed the fatality and stated that 71 other migrants who were also trying to make the illegal crossing were rescued.
The public patrol service boat “Cormoron” rescued 59 individuals, including one person who was unconscious and could not be revived. A British coastguard vessel also rescued 13 people. All those rescued were taken ashore at Calais and received by French emergency services.
A search operation involving a plane, two helicopters, and a rescue boat was conducted, but no additional individuals were found. This incident marks the fifth death of a migrant attempting to cross the Channel since the Labour Party took office after the July 4 general election, bringing the total recorded small boat death toll since 2014 to an estimated 84 individuals.
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, describing it as “truly awful.” The latest migrant death comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets with EU leaders in the UK to address the illegal migration crisis. The leaders are discussing ways to tackle people smugglers and address the root causes driving migration, such as conflict and extreme poverty.
Since July 11, 701 migrants have illegally crossed the Channel in 12 separate vessels, with an average of around 58 people per boat. In response to the ongoing crisis, Labour has announced plans to introduce the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill to modernize the asylum and immigration system. This legislation aims to establish a new Home Office unit to combat organized immigration crime and ensure secure borders and a properly managed asylum system. The bill will be funded by abolishing the Rwanda deportation policy and includes measures to clear the asylum backlog, end hotel accommodation for migrants, and expedite returns for individuals from safe countries.
The summit with EU leaders presents an opportunity to enhance cooperation and combat illegal migration effectively. Sir Keir emphasized the need to work together to shut down smuggling routes, dismantle criminal gangs, and address the root causes of migration. The goal is to set a new path for tackling the ongoing challenges posed by illegal migration. Please rewrite this sentence.
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