Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to reports that at least 300 migrants are feared to have drowned in the Mediterranean this week, said:

“This is an appalling tragedy for hundreds of desperate people to lose their lives making the treacherous journey from North Africa to Europe.

“And it is an indictment of the Government and EU’s decision to refuse to support the search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

“Action is needed to discourage people from making this dangerous journey in the first place and crack down on gangs who exploit people’s fear and desperation to send them off in crowded unsafe boats.

“But the Government also needs to recognise that tragic events like this are not deterring others from trying to come to Europe and that their decision to stop support for search and rescue operations is putting far more people at risk. We need urgent humanitarian support for those whose lives are at risk. The Government needs to urgently rethink its approach to European search and rescue, and do far more to prevent tragedies like this.”

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