In one of the worst migrant disasters in recent
history, at least 27 migrants, some of them children and pregnant women, died
after their small boat drowned in the English Channel while attempting to ferry
them from France to Britain. The English Channel is a narrow sea lane that
connects the two countries.

Also Read | France, Britain trade blame after 27 migrants drown in English Channel

One of the busiest sea routes in the world, the
Channel has seen a record rise in migrant travellers in the last few months. In
what was a record, over 1,000 people landed up on Britain’s shores on a
particular day in November. Over 25,000 people have crossed the Channel in
2021.

Upon reaching the UK, migrants crossing over the
English Channel claim asylum hoping to attain refugee status. In order to apply
for the same, they are required to prove to British authorities that they
cannot return to their home country for fear of persecution or because of their
race, religion, nationality, political opinion, gender identity or sexual
orientation.

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Both England and France have sought to beef up their
infrastructure to deter people from crossing over through the Channel. The
United Kingdom sends Border Force ships out in the Channel to find small boats
and rescue people in danger. Teams on the coast have been provided night-vision
equipment to find people hiding in sand dunes.

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On the other hand, France recently announced an
additional 9.3 million pounds to tackle smuggling along the 130-km coastline.
The UK has pledged to give France 54 million pounds to boost police patrol,
aerial surveillance and port security.

The death of the 27 migrants has led to outrage among people
across the world. France and Britain, who have often sought cooperation on this
front, are now engaged in a blame game over the tragedy. While British Prime
Minister Boris Johnson has said that France should do more to deter people from
travelling along this route, French President Emmanuel Macron has said Britain
should not politicise the issue.