Written question asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 29 November 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 2021. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Monday, 13 December 2021 on behalf of the Home Office.

Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government which countries the 27 migrants who drowned in the English Channel on 24 November were from.

Answer: This tragic incident, in which at least 27 people lost their lives, occurred in French waters. Whilst the UK assisted in the immediate search and rescue operation and has offered support to the French authorities in their follow up operation, it remains a French-led criminal investigation. As such, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further except to refer the Noble Lord to the information which the French authorities have already put into the public domain.

Secondary information