Responding to the tragic death of a baby in the Channel today

This morning, a baby tragically died after an overcrowded dinghy capsized in the Channel. This is the latest reminder of the urgent need for safe routes to the UK, with 2024 now the deadliest year for refugees crossing the Channel.

Dr Wanda Wyporska, Chief Executive at Safe Passage International, responded:

“It is devastating that a baby has died today in yet another tragedy in the Channel. This child is the latest victim of the UK’s lack of safe routes, with 2024 now the most deadly year for people crossing the Channel. We must not accept these tragedies – at least 53 lives have now been lost this year and each was preventable.

This Government must urgently open routes to safety to the UK for people seeking protection. Without safe alternatives for refugees, smugglers will continue to exploit the lack of safe passage to the UK and we fear more children and their families will die in the Channel.”