Dead Bodies of Illegal Migrants Wash Up on Shore – Kier Starmer Urged to Take Action!
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Labour leader, has been urged to visit migrant camps in northern France to witness the escalating humanitarian crisis of small boat crossings in the English Channel. Stephane Pinto, the mayor of Ambleteuse, emphasized the need for stronger UK-France cooperation to address the issue, stating, “We must put in place measures to stop bodies on our beaches.” Last year, at least 78 people lost their lives attempting the dangerous crossing, marking a record number of fatalities.
Despite efforts by French police, who reportedly prevented 28,000 attempted crossings in 2023, the crisis persists. The UK Home Office reported that while small boat crossings peaked at 45,774 in 2022, the numbers remain alarmingly high, with 36,816 migrants detected in 2024. Migrants in makeshift camps, such as one in a former wine warehouse in Calais, face dire conditions, lacking basic necessities like toilets and running water.
Migrants like Zinki from Sudan and Akan from Iran have shared harrowing stories of their attempts to cross the Channel. Zinki described witnessing the death of fellow migrants, while Akan recounted a near-fatal experience when his boat began sinking, leaving him and others stranded in the water for 30 minutes before being rescued.
Despite calls for joint UK-French beach patrols, Calais MP Marc De Fleurian rejected the idea, arguing that the presence of UK police on French soil would be “perceived very badly.” Instead, the UK and France have agreed to allocate over £7 million to strengthen law enforcement efforts against smuggling gangs.
Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle acknowledged the risks of the crossings, stating, “One is they may die,” highlighting the grim reality faced by migrants. As pressure mounts on both governments, Pinto’s call for Starmer to visit the region underscores the urgent need for a humane and effective solution to the crisis.
