Cooper warned migrant deaths may rise as more packed in boats

THE record death toll in the English Channel could rise again this year, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has been warned.

- Michael Knowles

At least 69 people died attempting to cross last year, the Refugee Council said. Around a third of these are believed to have been children, including a baby.

But some estimates have put the death toll even higher at 79, leading to calls for the Home Office and French authorities to publish official data on the number of people losing their lives.

Migrant smuggling gangs are launching more overcrowded boats than ever as police attempt to destroy their supply chains."

The Refugee Council said in an alarming report out today: "We may never know all of the personal stories behind those tragedies.

"But there should be no acceptance that the deaths are collateral damage in tackling the smuggling gangs.

"Taking on the gangs is one of the necessary actions needed to reduce the number of people putting their lives at risk to reach the UK, but the Government seems to have accepted that it is leading to the journey becoming more dangerous.

"Steps must be taken to improve the search and rescue capacity in the Channel, particularly close to the French coast.

"There is a risk that 2025 continues to see an increase in deaths as more action is taken to enforce the UK's border without also addressing the reasons why people are willing to put their lives at risk in the first place."