Following the tragic death of a Sudanese man in the Channel over the summer, I wrote to the Home Secretary on 19 August to ask what action she’s taking together with the French authorities to prevent further such loss of life and ensure the UK steps up to its duty to these vulnerable people.

Please find below a copy of the response I finally received from the Immigration Minister.

The best way to stop people embarking on these treacherous paths is to provide safe and legal routes to claim sanctuary in the UK – something this Government has consistently failed to do.  In Parliament I’ll continue to push for much more to be done to step up to our moral obligation to these vulnerable people.