Priti Patel blames ‘evil’ gangs for Channel crossings but the reality is far more complicated

Analysis: The UK government's own experts say many journeys are actually organised directly by desperate families

The government repeatedly insists that sophisticated criminal networks are driving the Channel crossings by people seeking asylum in Britain. Of all the contested claims advanced by the home secretary on the issue, it remains among the most pervasive.

True to form, in the aftermath of Wednesday's drownings, Priti Patel wasted little time reiterating her determination to smash the criminal gangs" behind such crossings.