The Latest Breaking News from Channel

The schemes have been criticised as too slow and many Afghans have been in hotels since coming to the UK.

Labour has said people smugglers are “running rings” around the government’s efforts to stem the tide of small boats crossing the Channel after six migrants died and more than 500 others arrived on UK shores on Saturday alone.

"Crossing the Channel, it's playing with our lives," Hajji Mahmud acknowledged. But despite the dangers, the Afghan migrant remained determined to attempt the crossing, even after the deaths of at least six of his countrymen early Saturday when their vessel sank.

Campaigners described the incident as an ‘appalling and preventable tragedy’ while MPs called for action to stop criminal gangs facilitating the boats

Campaigners described the incident as an ‘appalling and preventable tragedy’ while MPs called for action to stop criminal gangs facilitating the boats

Campaigners described the incident as an ‘appalling and preventable tragedy’ while MPs called for action to stop criminal gangs facilitating the boats

Hunt is on for survivors after at least six people die, while activists call for more safe and legal routes

Lack of safe passage described as ‘moral disgrace’ as helpers say legal routes would end dangerous crossings

As yet more people drown in the Channel, the government’s pursuit of deterrence and detention is solving nothing