Women and children are reportedly among survivors fighting for their lives in hospital after four people died as a dinghy capsized in the English Channel.
A search-and-rescue mission was launched this morning after the migrant boat capsized in freezing weather. Some 43 others who were on board were rescued.
MP Roger Gale expressed gratitude to the hospital staff, saying: “Some of the survivors are still fighting for their lives [in hospital], and I understand that some of them are women and children.”
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said action by ministers to tackle people-smuggling and trafficking gangs had been too weak, calling for further action.
And a refugee charity has accused the government has been accused of having “blood on its hands”.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman told the Commons: “This morning’s tragedy, like the loss of 27 people on one November day last year, is the most sobering reminder possible of why we have to end these crossings.”
She expressed her sympathies and paid tribute to those working on the search-and-rescue operation, vowing there would be new legislation to end criminal gangs.
The search-and-rescue mission comes a day after Rishi Sunak announced plans to tighten asylum rules - including denying claims of migrants arriving in small boats.
