Richard Madeley was forced to interrupt Good Morning Britain with some tragic breaking news.
He and co-host Susanna Reid delivered a tragic update that five individuals had sadly died while attempting to cross The Channel, according to reports from French media. In the middle of Tuesday’s show (April 23), Richard announced: “The French media is currently reporting that five, maybe up to seven migrants, have died trying to cross The Channel this morning.”
He continued: “There’s a police operation currently underway south of Calais. So between five and seven migrants have died attempting to cross The Channel.”
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Susanna chimed in with additional context: “This comes as the Prime Minister says nothing is going to get in his way of flights deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda off the ground.”
(Image: (Image: ITV))
The discussion then moved to Westminster, where they were joined by the Illegal Migrant Minister Michael Tomlinson to talk about the Rwanda Bill live on air, reports the Express. Reacting to the grim news, the Conservative MP stated: “It is absolutely chilling to hear that. We have had fatalities now in The Channel for nine consecutive months.”
He said: “It is an absolute tragedy to hear that news, I literally heard it 30 seconds ago on air now. But that is why I am so determined, and the Prime Minister is so determined, to stop the boats.
(Image: ITV)
“We cannot see these evil criminal gangs, who don’t care whether you live or die, smuggling people onto these boats, taking their money. That’s all they care about.”
Towards the end of the segment, Richard confirmed the death toll: “It’s been confirmed that the number is five, that five people have lost their lives in the Channel this morning.” The controversial Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration Bill) has finally made it through parliament, with peers backing down on their opposition.
(Image: PA Wire)
The PM is banking on the Rwanda plan to deter migrants from crossing the Channel. This comes as a small boat was found setting off from Calais, with French cops seemingly just spectating, early Tuesday morning.
The government is gearing up to send off the first asylum seekers to Rwanda by flight. PM Rishi Sunak said: “The passing of this landmark legislation is not just a step forward but a fundamental change in the global equation on migration. We introduced the Rwanda Bill to deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings and break the business model of the criminal gangs who exploit them.”
He added: “The passing of this legislation will allow us to do that and make it very clear that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay. Our focus is to now get flights off the ground, and I am clear that nothing will stand in our way of doing that and saving lives.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
