Government face fresh pressure after 6 die on migrant boat trying to cross channel
50 others on small boats had to be rescued early yesterday morning near Sangatte
The government is facing fresh pressure to change their policies towards asylum seekers - as its revealed 6 people died yesterday in a small boat trying to cross the English Channel.
59 others had to be rescued early yesterday morning by French and British authorities, after an overloaded vessel carrying migrants got into difficulty near Sangatte.
This is out of a total of 509 people who crossed the English Channel in 10 small boats yesterday - bringing the total for the year so far to 16,679, according to Home Office figures.
Those rescued were mostly of Afghans and some were Sudanese, according to multiple reports.
In the aftermath of this tragedy. campaigners have described the incident as an "appalling and preventable tragedy", while MPs called for action to stop criminal gangs profiting from the dangerous journeys.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said action to deter criminal gangs facilitating the journeys is "desperately" needed.
Conservative backbencher and former party chairman Sir Jake Berry also told the Sunday Express: "We must put a stop to the vile people smugglers who trade in human misery and whose actions result in the loss of life."
Care4Calais have also weighed in - calling the incident an "appalling and preventable tragedy".
Home Secretary Suella Braverman described the incident as a "tragic loss of life".
She told Twitter users she had chaired a meeting with Border Force officials yesterday morning.
We will keep you updated of any further breaking news on-air and on our website.