I crossed the Channel in a small boat. This is what it's like – video

Ali, 28, left his home in Iran to escape religious persecution. After being denied asylum in France, he made the decision to cross the Channel in a dinghy. He told the Guardian's Today in Focus podcast about his experience making the perilous crossing twice, in search of a better life

• I come, or I die': fatalistic refugees say Channel crossing their only option
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• Today in Focus: A tragedy in the Channel - listen