Our hearts go out to our fellow human beings who lost their lives early this morning when their boat capsized in the Channel north of Boulogne. So far we have learned that 12 people died and 53 people were rescued.

WHY do we make people who have already suffered the trauma of war and persecution risk their lives in this way? Why are we so privileged that we can buy a ticket on a ferry and cross safely – when we are not fleeing war but simply returning from holiday?

The processing checks which takes place once they arrive on British soil regarding their right to refugee status, could just as easily be done on foreign soil – before their departure. As things stand, our immigration policies are fueling the profits of people-smugglers.