The drowning on Saturday of at least six people after their vessel sank while trying to cross the Channel to reach Britain is a tragic reminder of how much is at stake, and for whom, in its waters. The most terrifying aspect of what has been dubbed the “small boats crisis” is the risk to life for people fleeing torture and conflict, many of whom will already have survived a traumatic and dangerous Mediterranean crossing.
For centuries, people have migrated to escape threats to human life. These movements have always been difficult to prevent in a world of naturally porous borders. Yet Rishi Sunak apparently believes he can achieve what others have not: stopping asylum seekers from crossing the Channel is one of his five key pledges ahead of the next election.
