UK and France vow to take action following deaths in the Channel

The UK and France have vowed to do more to stop migrants crossing the Channel following the deaths of 27 people on Wednesday.

Five women and a girl were among those who lost their lives attempting to reach the UK - the worst-ever recorded migrant tragedy in the Channel.

Speaking last night following an emergency Cobra meeting, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "appalled" by the loss of life.

He said: "I'm shocked, appalled and deeply saddened by the loss of life in the Channel. My thoughts and sympathies are first of all with the victims and their families - it's an appalling thing that they have suffered.

"But I also want to say that this disaster underscores how dangerous it is to cross the Channel in this way."

The prime minister said the UK would leave "no stone unturned" to stop human trafficking gangs.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the UK would "intensify all cooperation with France and other European partners to prevent migrants embarking on these deadly journeys".

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Those seeking refuge from dreadful conditions are human beings not political footballs. They’re driven to smugglers out of desperation & lack of humanitarian routes. This, and root causes, need addressed if such tragedies aren’t to be endlessly repeated."

Speaking yesterday afternoon, Jean Castex, the French prime minister, said: “The shipwreck in the Channel is a tragedy. My thoughts go to the numerous people who have died and who are injured. [They are] victims of criminal traffickers who exploit their distress and their misery.”