No 10 denies Sunak has ‘blood on hands’ over Channel migrant deaths
‘Not appropriate’ to point finger of blame at government, says PM’s spokesperson
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Downing Street has rejected accusations that the government has “blood on its hands” after the death of at least four people after a boat carrying migrants capsized in the English Channel.
Refugee charity Care4Calais said that the deaths were “wholly unnecessary and preventable”.
And founder Clare Moseley said that the government should take a share of the blame because it has failed to offer safe and legal routes for those on board to claim asylum in the UK.
But Rishi Sunak’s official spokesperson said that the allegation was not “appropriate” in the wake of the tragedy.
Speaking as the rescue operation was under way, Ms Moseley said: “These deaths are wholly unnecessary and preventable. By failing to act, our government has blood on their hands.
‘Hostile’ refugee policies behind migrant deaths, human rights groups say
Channel incident – live: Children ‘fight for their lives’ as four migrants dead in crossing tragedy- English channel rescue: Four migrants dead and 43 saved in dinghy crossing tragedy
Sunak and Braverman are battling over the small boats crisis – only one can win
"The people we work with in Calais have not only suffered the very worst horrors in this world - conflicts, human rights abuses and torture - they have been brave and resilient enough to escape and survive incredible journeys to come here and ask for our help. And yet we deny them.”
Asked how Mr Sunak would respond to the allegation that his government had “blood on its hands”, the PM’s spokesperson said: "I don’t think those sorts of comments are in any way appropriate at this time.
"The government is firmly fixed on resolving this issue and many others talk about wanting to put an end to this - vulnerable people being exploited and making these unsafe journeys.
“We have accepted hundreds of thousands of individuals through safe and legal routes over a number of years."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments