Latest deaths in The Channel - PCS reiterates call for Safe Passage
PCS offers its support and solidarity to all those affected by today's unfolding tragedy in the English Channel. In particular, we offer our condolences and deepest sympathy to those who have lost their loved ones.
We also stand in solidarity with our members in the Home Office and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency who are at the sharp end of dealing with these horrific events.
These latest deaths are a damning indictment of the government's failure to adopt a workable solution to prevent the dangerous crossings.
PCS, in conjunction with Care4Calais, has developed such a system and has been calling on the government to adopt it. Read the policy.
PCS head of bargaining Paul O'Connor said:
"There is a readily available policy to prevent this tragic loss of life. Unfortunately, our calls on the government to adopt it have fallen only stony ground. It is clear that they have no desire to prevent these dangerous crossings.
Instead, they are pouring taxpayers money down the drain on policies which are unlawful, unworkable and doomed to failure. Why? Because they want to scapegoat refugees to deflect from their own catastrophic failings on people's living standards.
They care not that people die as a result. They have blood on their hands. The government's approach is a moral disgrace.
The British people should not fall for it. We call upon every person in this country with a shred of humanity to support our call for Safe Passage."
Safe Passage is backed by 26 other trade unions.