Two more migrant deaths bring total of Channel fatalities to 62 for this year as 20 more still missing

Officials have revealed that people smugglers, driven by profit motives, are putting more migrants at risk by using increasingly poor quality vessels.

The criminal gangs are deliberately overcrowding the boats, showing a complete disregard for human life in their pursuit of financial gain.

These dangerous practices by trafficking networks have contributed to the unprecedented number of fatalities in the Channel this year.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to call for intensified action against people smuggling networks during a meeting of the European Political Community in Budapest today.

The Prime Minister will urge for swifter and more comprehensive measures, telling the gathering that "we need to go further and faster and take the fight to them."

His address comes as pressure mounts for a coordinated international response to dismantle the criminal empires profiting from dangerous Channel crossings.

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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has emphasised the crucial role of international cooperation in tackling the crisis.

"Our work with our partners in the Western Balkans is absolutely key to dismantling the criminal networks that orchestrate the exploitation of vulnerable people for financial gain," Cooper said.

She outlined plans to work more closely with Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo to share intelligence and map criminal activities.

Cooper added: "Through our intensified work, criminals will soon realise they have nowhere to hide."

According to Home Office figures, 31,270 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats since the beginning of the year.