The Shadow Home Secretary has today written to the Home Secretary calling for urgent action to address the migrant crisis in the English Channel.

This year has seen record numbers of migrants make the perilous crossing from France, with many risking the journey during the recent hot weather. Despite this crisis the Government has recently abolished the Department for International Development, the department that worked to mitigate the key drivers of people fleeing their homes such as war and poverty.

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, in his letter, criticised this decision and called for the action on the issue – not just empty rhetoric and headlines.

He wrote to the Home Secretary, Rt Hon Priti Patel MP:

“The Government needs a step-change in its response to this crisis. To date your efforts have been devoid of compassion and should be replaced with a meaningful strategic approach to this issue, rather than headline-chasing announcements that quickly fall under scrutiny.”

The full copy of this letter can be seen below.