Stand off drowning migrants and report – or face prosecution, sailors warned

And me! It's the 'bringing to shore' element that could create difficulties - not the rescues, anyway - so I'd expect people would feel compelled to help. Another media hype?

Really tragic news today:

uk.news.yahoo.com/migrant-crossings-several-people-drown-153800642.html

Germanshepherdsmum

Can someone explain to me why asylum seekers (political or economic) are so desperate to come to the UK that they will pay huge amounts to people smugglers and risk their and their families’ lives, despite passing through other perfectly safe countries in Europe? I accept that some may have family who are here legally but they must be a small minority. This is a genuine question to which I would like an answer. Please do not pile in on me for asking it.

Surely the answer is obvious? They are desperate. War. Climate change. Their lives and homes are destroyed and they want to try to save their families.

If we were in their shoes, we would do the same.

Alegrias1

What an excellent post Coastpath.

Fifthed from me. I am quite happy for my taxes to be used to support these poor, traumatised people.
There was a news report tonight from a camp in France, one of the asylum seekers there said that many wanted to get the UK as the French were constantly destroying their camps and seizing all their belongings. They had little to no food and were treated appallingly, consequently they were desperate to leave.

Lucca

Blossoming

Alegrias1

What an excellent post Coastpath.

Seconded.

Thirded

And me how ever many that is.

I’m too old now to do much physically to help, but I can pay my tax and give money towards these people and their new life with us.

Lucca

Blossoming

Alegrias1

What an excellent post Coastpath.

Seconded.

Thirded

And me how ever many that is.

I’m too old now to do much physically to help, but I can pay my tax and give money towards these people and their new life with us.

Germanshepherdsmum Can someone explain to me why asylum seekers (political or economic) are so desperate to come to the UK that they will pay huge amounts to people smugglers and risk their and their families’ lives, despite passing through other perfectly safe countries in Europe? I accept that some may have family who are here legally but they must be a small minority. This is a genuine question to which I would like an answer.
Firstly, it is a minority of refugees who seek to come to the U.K. More settle in Germany, Sweden, France, Greece and other countries. There are a number of reasons why some wish to come here - family connections, they speak some English so easier for them to get by, historically the U.K. had the Empire so many still believe U.K. has international status, some just know the names of premier league football teams. Unlike France, Italy and many other countries there is no ID system , so easier to get work under the radar, also the asylum system here means they know they can stay for years whether or not they get asylum. Some of these things we could do something about but haven’t. Those who blame the French, could turn it around and blame the failed asylum system in the U.K. for failing to properly address the issue and cooperate with the rest of Europe over many years.

You know last evening, I could no longer post on this thread because I was so profoundly upset at some of the callous, inhumane posts that utterly lacked empathy if any kind.

We are better than this!

I agree with Coastpath's post too. As a percentage of GDP, the UK spends a miniscule amount on refugees and asylum seekers. I would far rather that the government spends money in this way than many other ways.

I'm appalled at some of the misconceptions about asylum seekers which have been shown on this thread. Unfortunately, these myths are repeated so often that people believe they are true.

I agree with Coastpath's post too. As a percentage of GDP, the UK spends a miniscule amount on refugees and asylum seekers. I would far rather that the government spends money in this way than many other ways.

I'm appalled at some of the misconceptions about asylum seekers which have been shown on this thread. Unfortunately, these myths are repeated so often that people believe they are true.

Whitewavemark2. Same here. I'm afraid I couldn't believe the hard heartedness I read on here last night so I had to leave. I totally endorse Coastalpath's sentiments and I can't believe that we have become the judgemental, inward looking nation that I feared. I heard this morning, anecdotally, that one of the refugees who drowned was an interpreter who couldn't wait for GB to help him. Absolute disgrace. I'm so sorry. May they find the everlasting peace that we failed to give them.

TopsyIrene06

*Whitewavemark2*. Same here. I'm afraid I couldn't believe the hard heartedness I read on here last night so I had to leave. I totally endorse Coastalpath's sentiments and I can't believe that we have become the judgemental, inward looking nation that I feared. I heard this morning, anecdotally, that one of the refugees who drowned was an interpreter who couldn't wait for GB to help him. Absolute disgrace. I'm so sorry. May they find the everlasting peace that we failed to give them.

?

Would the English authorities stop immigrants leaving England for the EU if the shoe was on the other foot? These people would not be breaking the law would they?

Urmstongran
The £39 a week is for their personal needs.
Paid for by us taxpayers I may say.
Bed, board and 3 meals a day provided free

Growstuff.
No, they have to buy food out of the £39.

Well which is it ???

Coastpath not Coastalpath - sorry.

Lucca

Urmstongran
The £39 a week is for their personal needs.
Paid for by us taxpayers I may say.
Bed, board and 3 meals a day provided free

Growstuff.
No, they have to buy food out of the £39.

*Well which is it ???*

www.gov.uk/asylum-support/what-youll-get

growstuff is correct.

Oh yes thanks for the link.

Urmstongran. Here you go:

I think one thing that we can be pretty confident about is that the Tories will not change their policy towards those seeking our help.

It has spectacularly failed but hey! it’s only foreigners,

vegansrock

*Germanshepherdsmum Can someone explain to me why asylum seekers (political or economic) are so desperate to come to the UK that they will pay huge amounts to people smugglers and risk their and their families’ lives, despite passing through other perfectly safe countries in Europe? I accept that some may have family who are here legally but they must be a small minority. This is a genuine question to which I would like an answer*.
Firstly, it is a minority of refugees who seek to come to the U.K. More settle in Germany, Sweden, France, Greece and other countries. There are a number of reasons why some wish to come here - family connections, they speak some English so easier for them to get by, historically the U.K. had the Empire so many still believe U.K. has international status, some just know the names of premier league football teams. Unlike France, Italy and many other countries there is no ID system , so easier to get work under the radar, also the asylum system here means they know they can stay for years whether or not they get asylum. Some of these things we could do something about but haven’t. Those who blame the French, could turn it around and blame the failed asylum system in the U.K. for failing to properly address the issue and cooperate with the rest of Europe over many years.

Think you will find WE did cooperate with the rest of Europe fo many years. Think Europe are now not co operating with us, French refusing help to reduce this risk, watching as migrants jump into unsafe boats, few hours before these poor souls drowned, and this from a migrant in France, „ˋthe police said go to the UK it’s better there.´Read it on Apple News.

Whitewavemark2

You know last evening, I could no longer post on this thread because I was so profoundly upset at some of the callous, inhumane posts that utterly lacked empathy if any kind.

We are better than this!

I had to stop reading this thread too as I was on the brink of replying to one poster in particular and saying things I would later regret. Some posts must be designed as windups as no one can be so prolifically ignorant about so many subjects.
The UK asylum system needs to be sorted for everyone’s sake and that is down to the government to address. I am putting my energy into emailing my MP about that.

Linclass are we cooperating with Europe?

Europe and France, in particular, have their knickers in a twist over Brexit and although they are happy to pocket our £54m to stop migrant boats, do nothing to stop them. Incapacitating their boats would be a start but they clearly do not want the migrants in their own country so make no attempt to stop the boats setting out to sea. Out of sight, out of mind. Goodness knows what the answer is but Britain seems out of ideas on how to deal with this major problem.

It’s easy on an emotive subject to to say emotional things, but it doesn’t help in any practical way.
Nobody is lambasting France for being French ( as is often implied) but as the nearest landmass as a launching pad for the migrants wanting to come here.Therefore if the French are serious about stopping drownings in the Channel they must step up police patrols or even use the army for this purpose.Don’t allow migrant camps to be built up and take people to their own asylum seekers centres.They are on French soil after all and the responsibility of the French.Once here, or in British waters they become our responsibility.
It has been said that why shouldn’t the French police turn a blind eye as migrants want to get to the UK, well.....perhaps the reason they shouldn’t (!) is that people drown.

The needless loss of lives yesterday should concentrate the minds of Governments either side of the Channel.

I listened to the Minister for Immigration this morning and he mentioned that talks are underway to organise joint French/English patrols along the Calais Coast. Why wasn’t this already being done?

The people paying for passage across one of the busiest shipping channels in the world in flimsy inflatable dinghies and kayaks are desperate. The criminals who took their money yesterday should be charged with manslaughter.

Stop blaming the French. Everybody who is doing it, stop blaming the French.

Take some responsibility.