Calls for safe routes for refugees mount after six more Channel drownings

Lack of safe passage described as ‘moral disgrace’ as helpers say legal routes would end dangerous crossings

Calls are mounting in the UK and France for the introduction of safe routes for refugees crossing the Channel after a French organisation said it had received multiple distress calls from people making the crossing in recent days.

At least six people lost their lives early on Saturday trying to cross the Channel in a small boat and the organisation issued warnings that more lives would be lost in future unless there were significant government policy changes.