Today's Tragic News

Last night, a young person drowned trying to reach safety in the UK. At Safe Passage we work with many young people who are unaccompanied in Europe, fleeing persecution and seeking sanctuary - nobody should be forced to risk their life to be reach safety. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved him. 

Commenting on the news that a young person has been found dead on the French coast after attempting to make the journey to the UK across the channel, Beth Gardiner-Smith, CEO of Safe Passage said: 

“This morning’s tragic news is the direct consequence of a lack of safe alternatives for those seeking sanctuary.  

“The French and UK Governments have been quick to blame people smugglers but fail to recognise that the best way to destroy their business model is to provide safe and legal routes for refugees and a clear pathway to asylum. 

“Just this year, the Dubs route designed to give safe passage was closed, and now the only legal route available to children - family reunion - will end unless a deal is reached with the EU. And with four months to go, the negotiations on a deal haven’t even started.  

“Boris Johnson and Priti Patel have the power right now to make sure today’s tragedy is never repeated. Rather than political posturing, Ministers in the UK and France need to get a grip and make it their personal priority to prevent any more needless loss of life. 

“This starts with agreeing on a replacement for Dublin III family reunion and the Dubs scheme, so that no unaccompanied child or family has to risk their lives again to reach the UK. And Boris Johnson should back Lord Dubs’ amendment to the Immigration Bill when it is debated in September so these safe routes are protected.” 

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