An awful, unnecessary tragedy in the Channel. We need safe routes for everyone
In response to the tragic news that at least 27 people lost their lives in the English Channel yesterday trying to reach safety in the UK, Sally Daghlian OBE, CEO of Praxis, said:
“We are distressed and saddened by the tragic events of yesterday and stand in solidarity with those who are now mourning family members and friends. These events could have been prevented. People put their lives in jeopardy to make the dangerous crossing because their lives are already in jeopardy. They have no other options because the government does not provide any safe routes to come to the UK. Being an island does not remove our international legal responsibilities to people who need protection. We must recognise that people are fleeing war and terror in places like Syria and Afghanistan and have good reasons to come to the UK, from family ties to historical links. No-one should feel like their only option is to get into a small boat in a busy shipping lane.
The only way to prevent the needless loss of life that we witnessed yesterday is by making more safe routes available. The Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill does the exact opposite, making it far harder for people seeking refuge in the UK to do so, and leaving them with little choice but to embark on dangerous journeys. The Government must act now to save lives by opening up more safe routes to the UK.”