French minister urges UK to sign EU migrant deal after tragedy

A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Le Portel, where a boat carrying nearly 70 asylum seekers sank, resulting in the deaths of over 10 individuals, including women and minors. This incident has raised concerns as the total number of asylum seeker deaths in the Channel this year has reached 37, matching the total for 2021. With two individuals still missing and others critically injured, the death toll may increase, prompting urgent calls for action from both the British and French governments. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin emphasized the need for the UK to sign a migrant deal with the EU to address the ongoing crisis. He highlighted the dangers of these perilous journeys, noting that boats often capsize quickly, leading to fatalities. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed these sentiments, condemning the actions of people smugglers who overcrowd boats and send them out in hazardous conditions. In response to the tragedy, French authorities initiated a large-scale rescue operation, deploying coastguard ships and air ambulances. Local officials, including Boulogne-sur-Mer’s mayor, expressed the need to strengthen relations with the UK government to tackle the migration crisis effectively. The situation has sparked a debate on the responsibilities of political leaders in preventing such tragedies. Activists and organizations, like Care4Calais, have called for immediate action to stop the increasing frequency of these incidents. They urge leaders on both sides of the Channel to take responsibility and implement measures to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and ensure their safety during these dangerous crossings.