France to blame for refugees risking Channel crossings, say NGOs

Hostile policies encourage asylum seekers to try dangerous routes to England, say French support groups

Organisations supporting refugees in northern France have blamed the French government for the high number of people risking their lives to cross the Channel in small boats.

So far this year more than 20,000 people have crossed with UK Border Force union officials predicting that the number could reach 60,000 by the end of the year.