What's happened
On November 6, 2024, multiple bodies were discovered in the English Channel following a failed crossing attempt. French authorities rescued 51 individuals, while investigations into the identities of the deceased are ongoing. This incident highlights the ongoing migrant crisis and the dangers of crossing the Channel.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, 'more than 50 people have been rescued' while bodies were found floating in the Channel, indicating a tragic escalation in migrant fatalities. BBC News reported that 'two bodies were found in the Channel on the French side,' underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by migrants. The Independent highlighted the broader context of migration into the EU, noting that 'Greece lies on a popular route into the European Union for people fleeing war and poverty.' This multifaceted crisis reflects both humanitarian and political challenges that require urgent attention.
How we got here
The Channel has seen a significant increase in migrant crossings, with over 31,000 arrivals in the UK this year alone. The perilous journey has resulted in numerous fatalities, prompting calls for safer passage routes.
More on these topics
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Calais is a city and major ferry port in northern France in the department of Pas-de-Calais, of which it is a sub-prefecture. Although Calais is by far the largest city in Pas-de-Calais, the department's prefecture is its third-largest city of Arras.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The English Channel, also called simply the Channel, is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates Southern England from northern France and links to the southern part of the North Sea by the Strait of Dover at its northeastern end.