The day after at least 27 people died trying to cross the English Channel when their flimsy inflatable boat capsized during the perilous voyage, the leaders of France and England vowed to crack down on migrant crossings even as they offered a fractious response to one of the deadliest disasters in recent years involving migrants trying to cross the narrow waterway separating the two countries.

French officials confirmed that children and a pregnant woman were among those who had drowned, as crews worked in the cold and wind to recover bodies and to try to identify those who died. Two people, one from Iraq and one from Somalia, were found and taken to a French hospital, where they were being treated for severe hypothermia.

The representative in Paris of Iraq’s Kurdistan region said many of the victims were believed to be Iraqi Kurds but that identifying them was difficult. French officials have not said where the dead were from.

The tragedy was a stark reminder that five years after authorities dismantled a sprawling migrant camp in Calais, both countries are still struggling to handle the flow of migrants in the area.

France and Britain have long accused each other of not doing enough to curb attempts to cross the channel. After the tragedy Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain said greater efforts should be made to allow joint patrols along the French coast.

And President Emmanuel Macron of France said he expected the British “to cooperate fully and to abstain from using this dramatic situation for political means.”

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Macron added that France was in any case only a “country of transit” for migrants who wanted to reach Britain.

“In a way, we are holding the border for the British,” he said, adding that most of the migrants who reach the area around Calais did not want asylum in France despite offers from French authorities.

The two leaders spoke by phone late Wednesday and said in statements afterward that they had agreed to step up efforts to prevent migrants from making the journey across one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Under an agreement between the two nations, Britain pays France to clamp down on crossings through surveillance and patrols.

Johnson said that he was “shocked and appalled and deeply saddened by the loss of life at sea in the channel.” But, he added: “I also want to say that this disaster underscores how dangerous it is to cross the channel in this way.”

Macron called for an immediate tightening of border controls and an increased crackdown with other European nations on people smugglers.

“France won’t let the Channel become a graveyard,” he said in a statement.

The drownings came only a few days after French and British authorities had reached an agreement to do more to stem the number of people taking to the sea.

Attempts to reach Britain in small boats have increased in recent years as authorities have cracked down on the smuggling of asylum-seekers inside trucks crossing by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel.

Since the beginning of the year, there have been 47,000 attempts to cross the channel in small boats, and 7,800 migrants had been saved from shipwrecks, according to French officials. Before Wednesday, seven people had died or disappeared so far this year.

Many migrants — who are often from countries in Africa or the Middle East like Iraq and Eritrea — consider Britain an ideal destination because English is spoken, because they already have family or compatriots there, and because it can be relatively easy to find off-the-books work.

But the recent increase in attempts to cross the English Channel by boat reflects a shift in how migrants are traveling, not in how many, according to migration experts and rights groups, who say that, overall, asylum applications in Britain are down this year.

The crossings have become another element in the worsening relations between France and Britain, which have also clashed over fishing rights and trading checks after Britain’s departure from the European Union, as well as over a submarine alliance among Australia, Britain and the United States that undermined a previous French deal.

The day after at least 27 people died trying to cross the English Channel when their flimsy inflatable boat capsized during the perilous voyage, the leaders of France and England vowed to crack down on migrant crossings even as they offered a fractious response to one of the deadliest disasters in recent years involving migrants trying to cross the narrow waterway separating the two countries.

The day after at least 27 people died trying to cross the English Channel when their flimsy inflatable boat capsized during the perilous voyage, the leaders of France and England vowed to crack down on migrant crossings even as they offered a fractious response to one of the deadliest disasters in recent years involving migrants trying to cross the narrow waterway separating the two countries. French officials confirmed that children and a pregnant woman were among those who had drowned, as crews worked in the cold and wind to recover bodies and to try to identify those who died. Two people, one from Iraq and one from Somalia, were found and taken to a French hospital, where they were being treated for severe hypothermia. The representative in Paris of Iraq’s Kurdistan region said many of the victims were believed to be Iraqi Kurds but that identifying them was difficult. French officials have not said where the dead were from. The tragedy was a stark reminder that five years after authorities dismantled a sprawling migrant camp in Calais, both countries are still struggling to handle the flow of migrants in the area. France and Britain have long accused each other of not doing enough to curb attempts to cross the channel. After the tragedy Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain said greater efforts should be made to allow joint patrols along the French coast. And President Emmanuel Macron of France said he expected the British “to cooperate fully and to abstain from using this dramatic situation for political means.” Speaking to reporters Thursday, Macron added that France was in any case only a “country of transit” for migrants who wanted to reach Britain. “In a way, we are holding the border for the British,” he said, adding that most of the migrants who reach the area around Calais did not want asylum in France despite offers from French authorities. The two leaders spoke by phone late Wednesday and said in statements afterward that they had agreed to step up efforts to prevent migrants from making the journey across one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Under an agreement between the two nations, Britain pays France to clamp down on crossings through surveillance and patrols. Johnson said that he was “shocked and appalled and deeply saddened by the loss of life at sea in the channel.” But, he added: “I also want to say that this disaster underscores how dangerous it is to cross the channel in this way.” Macron called for an immediate tightening of border controls and an increased crackdown with other European nations on people smugglers. “France won’t let the Channel become a graveyard,” he said in a statement. The drownings came only a few days after French and British authorities had reached an agreement to do more to stem the number of people taking to the sea. Attempts to reach Britain in small boats have increased in recent years as authorities have cracked down on the smuggling of asylum-seekers inside trucks crossing by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 47,000 attempts to cross the channel in small boats, and 7,800 migrants had been saved from shipwrecks, according to French officials. Before Wednesday, seven people had died or disappeared so far this year. Many migrants — who are often from countries in Africa or the Middle East like Iraq and Eritrea — consider Britain an ideal destination because English is spoken, because they already have family or compatriots there, and because it can be relatively easy to find off-the-books work. But the recent increase in attempts to cross the English Channel by boat reflects a shift in how migrants are traveling, not in how many, according to migration experts and rights groups, who say that, overall, asylum applications in Britain are down this year. The crossings have become another element in the worsening relations between France and Britain, which have also clashed over fishing rights and trading checks after Britain’s departure from the European Union, as well as over a submarine alliance among Australia, Britain and the United States that undermined a previous French deal.

France, Britain agree to step up efforts to limit channel crossings

French fishermen said they will block access to the English Channel ports in northern France on Friday in protest over post-Brexit fishing rights.

French fishermen to block access to English channel

31 people have died in the deadliest English Channel disaster. Emmanuel Macron & Boris Johnson are sparring over who should bear the blame. Will a blame game solve the migrant crisis? Here's what Palki Sharma has to say.

Gravitas: 31 people drown in English Channel | Macron & Boris Johnson trade blame.

France President Emmanuel Macron told Britain to 'get serious' about the migrant issue or be ready to remain out of the talks over curbing flow of migrants escaping war and poverty across the Channel.

France has cancelled invitation to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to attend meeting on the issue in Calais. This has underlined how fraught ties between France and Britain have become. The two countries are already sparring over post-Brexit trading rules and fishing rights.

Boris Johnson's spokesman said the British prime minister was taking the issue "extremely seriously" and said he hoped France would reconsider its decision to cancel Patel's invite.

The row has erupted after the death of 27 migrants trying to cross the narrow seaway between the two countries, the worst tragedy on record in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-britain-agree-to-step-up-efforts-to-limit-channel-crossings-431979">France, Britain agree to step up efforts to limit channel crossings</a>

"I'm surprised when things are not done seriously. We don't communicate between leaders via tweets or published letters, we are not whistle-blowers. Come on. Come on," Macron told a news conference in Rome.

Macron was responding to a letter from Johnson in which the British leader told "Dear Emmanuel" what he reckoned should be done to stop migrants from making the perilous journey.

Johnson urged France in his letter to agree on joint patrols on its shores and consent to taking back the migrants who make it to Britain.

Infuriated by the letter, and not least by the fact that Johnson published it on Twitter, the French government cancelled an invitation to Patel to attend a meeting on Sunday to discuss with EU ministers how to tackle immigration.

France President Emmanuel Macron told Britain to 'get serious' about the migrant issue or be ready to remain out of the talks over curbing flow of migrants escaping war and poverty across the Channel.

France President Emmanuel Macron told Britain to 'get serious' about the migrant issue or be ready to remain out of the talks over curbing flow of migrants escaping war and poverty across the Channel. France has cancelled invitation to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to attend meeting on the issue in Calais. This has underlined how fraught ties between France and Britain have become. The two countries are already sparring over post-Brexit trading rules and fishing rights. Boris Johnson's spokesman said the British prime minister was taking the issue "extremely seriously" and said he hoped France would reconsider its decision to cancel Patel's invite. The row has erupted after the death of 27 migrants trying to cross the narrow seaway between the two countries, the worst tragedy on record in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Also Read | France, Britain agree to step up efforts to limit channel crossings "I'm surprised when things are not done seriously. We don't communicate between leaders via tweets or published letters, we are not whistle-blowers. Come on. Come on," Macron told a news conference in Rome. Macron was responding to a letter from Johnson in which the British leader told "Dear Emmanuel" what he reckoned should be done to stop migrants from making the perilous journey. Johnson urged France in his letter to agree on joint patrols on its shores and consent to taking back the migrants who make it to Britain. Infuriated by the letter, and not least by the fact that Johnson published it on Twitter, the French government cancelled an invitation to Patel to attend a meeting on Sunday to discuss with EU ministers how to tackle immigration.

Macron tells UK to 'get serious' over English Channel migrant issue

On Wednesday 27 migrants died when their dinghy capsized as they made a perilous crossing of the English Channel. British and French officials have already started trading the blame.

Worst migrant crossing disaster in English Channel, 27 migrants killed

At least 27 migrants were killed after their dinghy capsized while they were attempting to cross the English Channel from France to Britain, it is one of the worst disaster.

English channel migrant crisis: 27 killed after boat sinks, UK and France starts blame game

Despite French authorities' warnings that it could imperil lives, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom Priti Patel is planning to send back small boats carrying migrants over the Channel.

It would enable British officers to forcibly return small boats to French seas. It's unclear whether the suggestions include returning migrants to French shores.&nbsp;

According to a statement from the Home Office, Border Force personnel are being trained to use "turn-around" methods at sea as part of two-year plans.&nbsp;

The United Nations has denounced Priti Patel's plans to allow the UK Border Force to turn back boats bringing migrants across the English Channel (UN).

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN's refugee agency, said it was "extremely concerned" about the UK's proposals to amend maritime legislation and send migrant boats back.

"We are particularly concerned by these reports, primarily because of the possible hazards associated for individuals at sea seeking safety," a UNHCR spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

The Home Secretary has instructed senior law officers to rewrite maritime legislation to allow the Border Force to catch migrant boats and return them to French waters in order to push them back.

As a result, they would have to deal with French authorities, forcing Ms Patel's French counterpart to flatly reject the ideas.

The French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, accused Britain of "financial blackmail" and stated that any violations of marine law would not be tolerated.&nbsp;

(With inputs agencies)

Despite French authorities' warnings that it could imperil lives, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom Priti Patel is planning to send back small boats carrying migrants over the Channel.

Despite French authorities' warnings that it could imperil lives, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom Priti Patel is planning to send back small boats carrying migrants over the Channel. It would enable British officers to forcibly return small boats to French seas. It's unclear whether the suggestions include returning migrants to French shores. According to a statement from the Home Office, Border Force personnel are being trained to use "turn-around" methods at sea as part of two-year plans. The United Nations has denounced Priti Patel's plans to allow the UK Border Force to turn back boats bringing migrants across the English Channel (UN). The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN's refugee agency, said it was "extremely concerned" about the UK's proposals to amend maritime legislation and send migrant boats back. "We are particularly concerned by these reports, primarily because of the possible hazards associated for individuals at sea seeking safety," a UNHCR spokeswoman said. The Home Secretary has instructed senior law officers to rewrite maritime legislation to allow the Border Force to catch migrant boats and return them to French waters in order to push them back. As a result, they would have to deal with French authorities, forcing Ms Patel's French counterpart to flatly reject the ideas. The French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, accused Britain of "financial blackmail" and stated that any violations of marine law would not be tolerated. (With inputs agencies)

Migrant boats crossing the English Channel could be turned back by Britain

Britain has announced it will seek harsher sentences for migrants caught entering the country without permission amid a record-breaking surge in arrivals over the English Channel.

The stricter prison sentences for both migrants and people smugglers come as part of Home Secretary Priti Patel's plans to overhaul asylum rules in a bid to prevent what her department has characterised as "asylum shopping".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-france-for-tougher-action-on-channel-migrants-317521">UK urges France for 'tougher action' on Channel migrants</a>

The legislation announced Saturday makes it a criminal offence to arrive in the UK without permission, with a maximum sentence for those entering the country unlawfully increasing from six months to four years.

Under the law set for its first reading in parliament on Tuesday, people smugglers will face life sentences, up from the current maximum of 14 years.

Patel said the plans were "fair but firm", adding that the UK would "welcome people through safe and legal routes whilst preventing abuse of the system, cracking down on illegal entry and the criminality associated with it".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-generation-immigrant-priti-patel-introduces-uks-anti-immigration-visa-guidelines-281562">Second generation immigrant Priti Patel introduces UK's anti-immigration visa guidelines</a>

The bill's unveiling comes as Britain's asylum system strains under the pressure of a record number of arrivals over the Channel.

A total of nearly 6,000 migrants have made the dangerous crossing in the first six months of 2021.

The total number of 8,417 arrivals for the whole of 2020 is likely to be overtaken in the next two months if trends continue, according to figures from the domestic Press Association news agency.

The Home Office said it was "very likely that those travelling to the UK via small boat will have come from a safe European Union country in which they could have claimed asylum".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-france-sign-new-deal-to-curb-channel-migrant-crossings-346134">Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings</a>

"Where this is the case, they are not seeking refuge at the earliest opportunity or showing good reason for seeking to enter the UK illegally but are instead 'asylum shopping' by picking the UK as a preferred destination over others and using an illegal route to get here," it added.

The government launched plans earlier this year for what it called the biggest changes to asylum rules in decades, saying the current system was overwhelmed.

The plan drew fire from refugee groups, who accused the ruling Conservatives of political cynicism.

"Instead of peddling deliberately misleading myths and untruths about asylum and migration, the Home Office should be establishing safe routes for those few people escaping persecution who wish to seek asylum here," Amnesty International UK's refugee and migrant rights director said.

Britain has announced it will seek harsher sentences for migrants caught entering the country without permission amid a record-breaking surge in arrivals over the English Channel.

Britain has announced it will seek harsher sentences for migrants caught entering the country without permission amid a record-breaking surge in arrivals over the English Channel. The stricter prison sentences for both migrants and people smugglers come as part of Home Secretary Priti Patel's plans to overhaul asylum rules in a bid to prevent what her department has characterised as "asylum shopping". Also read | UK urges France for 'tougher action' on Channel migrants The legislation announced Saturday makes it a criminal offence to arrive in the UK without permission, with a maximum sentence for those entering the country unlawfully increasing from six months to four years. Under the law set for its first reading in parliament on Tuesday, people smugglers will face life sentences, up from the current maximum of 14 years. Patel said the plans were "fair but firm", adding that the UK would "welcome people through safe and legal routes whilst preventing abuse of the system, cracking down on illegal entry and the criminality associated with it". Also read | Second generation immigrant Priti Patel introduces UK's anti-immigration visa guidelines The bill's unveiling comes as Britain's asylum system strains under the pressure of a record number of arrivals over the Channel. A total of nearly 6,000 migrants have made the dangerous crossing in the first six months of 2021. The total number of 8,417 arrivals for the whole of 2020 is likely to be overtaken in the next two months if trends continue, according to figures from the domestic Press Association news agency. The Home Office said it was "very likely that those travelling to the UK via small boat will have come from a safe European Union country in which they could have claimed asylum". Also read | Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings "Where this is the case, they are not seeking refuge at the earliest opportunity or showing good reason for seeking to enter the UK illegally but are instead 'asylum shopping' by picking the UK as a preferred destination over others and using an illegal route to get here," it added. The government launched plans earlier this year for what it called the biggest changes to asylum rules in decades, saying the current system was overwhelmed. The plan drew fire from refugee groups, who accused the ruling Conservatives of political cynicism. "Instead of peddling deliberately misleading myths and untruths about asylum and migration, the Home Office should be establishing safe routes for those few people escaping persecution who wish to seek asylum here," Amnesty International UK's refugee and migrant rights director said.

UK announces harsher sentences for Channel migrants

A Jersey based boat collided with the French vessel near the English Channel island where flotilla of angry french fishermen gathered for protest.

Jersey based boat collides with French patrol vessel

The British government has struck an agreement with France to double the number of police patrolling beaches in the country's north in an attempt to stop people crossing the English Channel in small boats.

On Saturday, UK interior minister Priti Patel said that under the deal, the number of officers patrolling French beaches would double, and new equipment including drones and radar would be employed.

This year, hundreds of people, including some children, have been caught crossing to southern England from makeshift camps in northern France - navigating one of the world`s busiest shipping routes in overloaded rubber dinghies. Some migrants have drowned.

Patel said in statement that the agreement represented a step forward in the pair`s mission to make channel crossings unviable.

"Thanks to more police patrols on French beaches and enhanced intelligence sharing between our security and law enforcement agencies, we are already seeing fewer migrants leaving French beaches," she said.

The UK and France plan to continue a close dialogue to reduce migratory pressures at the shared border over the next year, she added.

Patel told UK media that French authorities had stopped 5,000 migrants from travelling to the UK so far this year. She said over the last ten years, the UK had given France 150 million pounds to tackle immigration.

She said the recent focus by authorities on stopping small boats meant they were now seeing more migrants trying to cross the Channel via lorries, and that border security was being tightened in France to try to stop that.

Many migrants appear to have turned to small boats organised by smugglers during the coronavirus pandemic because virus restrictions have reduced traffic between France and Britain.

Last month, a family from Iran, including two parents and their children aged 6 and 9, died when their boat capsised in the Channel. Their 15-month-old son is missing and presumed drowned.

Aid and human rights groups say the best way to stop the journeys is to provide safe routes for people to seek asylum in Britain.

Britain is also planning to introduce a new asylum system through legislation next year, Patel said.

The British government has struck an agreement with France to double the number of police patrolling beaches in the country's north in an attempt to stop people crossing the English Channel in small boats.

The British government has struck an agreement with France to double the number of police patrolling beaches in the country's north in an attempt to stop people crossing the English Channel in small boats. On Saturday, UK interior minister Priti Patel said that under the deal, the number of officers patrolling French beaches would double, and new equipment including drones and radar would be employed. This year, hundreds of people, including some children, have been caught crossing to southern England from makeshift camps in northern France - navigating one of the world`s busiest shipping routes in overloaded rubber dinghies. Some migrants have drowned. Patel said in statement that the agreement represented a step forward in the pair`s mission to make channel crossings unviable. "Thanks to more police patrols on French beaches and enhanced intelligence sharing between our security and law enforcement agencies, we are already seeing fewer migrants leaving French beaches," she said. The UK and France plan to continue a close dialogue to reduce migratory pressures at the shared border over the next year, she added. Patel told UK media that French authorities had stopped 5,000 migrants from travelling to the UK so far this year. She said over the last ten years, the UK had given France 150 million pounds to tackle immigration. She said the recent focus by authorities on stopping small boats meant they were now seeing more migrants trying to cross the Channel via lorries, and that border security was being tightened in France to try to stop that. Many migrants appear to have turned to small boats organised by smugglers during the coronavirus pandemic because virus restrictions have reduced traffic between France and Britain. Last month, a family from Iran, including two parents and their children aged 6 and 9, died when their boat capsised in the Channel. Their 15-month-old son is missing and presumed drowned. Aid and human rights groups say the best way to stop the journeys is to provide safe routes for people to seek asylum in Britain. Britain is also planning to introduce a new asylum system through legislation next year, Patel said.

Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings

Forty-five migrants were rescued in the English Channel after their improvised boat found itself in trouble off Dunkirk, French authorities said.

Several of the people "appeared to be in a state of hypothermia" after being brought aboard a patrol ship, the French prefecture in charge of the Channel and North Sea said in a statement on Saturday.

The migrants were "all safe and sound" when they were put ashore in Calais in the early evening.

With busy traffic and powerful winds and currents, the Channel crossing can prove extremely dangerous for small boats despite the apparent short distance between Calais and British port Dover.

To this end, on Saturday, London and Paris signed a deal aimed at shutting down the route, which calls for French patrols to be doubled and for radar and drones to be used to spot migrant boats earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-france-sign-new-deal-to-curb-channel-migrant-crossings-346134">Also read |&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/britain-france-sign-new-deal-to-curb-channel-migrant-crossings-346134" hreflang="en">Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings</a>

Increasing numbers of people have attempted the sea crossing from France to Britain since 2018.

Forty-five migrants were rescued in the English Channel after their improvised boat found itself in trouble off Dunkirk, French authorities said. Several of the people "appeared to be in a state of hypothermia" after being brought aboard a patrol ship, the French prefecture in charge of the Channel and North Sea said in a statement on Saturday.

Forty-five migrants were rescued in the English Channel after their improvised boat found itself in trouble off Dunkirk, French authorities said. Several of the people "appeared to be in a state of hypothermia" after being brought aboard a patrol ship, the French prefecture in charge of the Channel and North Sea said in a statement on Saturday. The migrants were "all safe and sound" when they were put ashore in Calais in the early evening. With busy traffic and powerful winds and currents, the Channel crossing can prove extremely dangerous for small boats despite the apparent short distance between Calais and British port Dover. To this end, on Saturday, London and Paris signed a deal aimed at shutting down the route, which calls for French patrols to be doubled and for radar and drones to be used to spot migrant boats earlier. Also read | Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings Increasing numbers of people have attempted the sea crossing from France to Britain since 2018.

French ship rescues 45 migrants from English Channel

They are some of hundreds of people who have attempted the crossing in recent days

Thousands of migrants risking their lives to reach UK

January 07 in History: From discovery of Jupiter to USA's first presidential elections and more

The UK Border Force intercepted a boat Sunday carrying 22 migrants as public attention refocused on people smuggling following the death of 39 Vietnamese nationals in a truck near London.

Britain's interior ministry said the operation brought to 44 the number of people picked up in the English Channel since Friday.

No information about their nationalities or ages and gender were revealed.

Hundreds of migrants try to enter Britain annually through the world's busiest waterway using unsafe boats.

The role human traffickers play in such operations came under new scrutiny after the Vietnamese tragedy.

The victims' bodies were discovered in a refrigerated truck near London. The British driver has been charged with manslaughter and other offences.

None of the 11 people detained in Vietnam's own investigation has been formally charged.

The UK Border Force intercepted a boat Sunday carrying 22 migrants as public attention refocused on people smuggling following the death of 39 Vietnamese nationals in a truck near London.

The UK Border Force intercepted a boat Sunday carrying 22 migrants as public attention refocused on people smuggling following the death of 39 Vietnamese nationals in a truck near London. Britain's interior ministry said the operation brought to 44 the number of people picked up in the English Channel since Friday. No information about their nationalities or ages and gender were revealed. Hundreds of migrants try to enter Britain annually through the world's busiest waterway using unsafe boats. The role human traffickers play in such operations came under new scrutiny after the Vietnamese tragedy. The victims' bodies were discovered in a refrigerated truck near London. The British driver has been charged with manslaughter and other offences. None of the 11 people detained in Vietnam's own investigation has been formally charged.

Britain detains 22 migrants in English Channel

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia will jointly launch an English language channel 'dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia'.

In a tweet, Khan said that the decision was taken during his meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in New York.

"President Erdogan, PM Mahatir and I had a meeting today in which we decided our 3 countries would jointly start an English language channel dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia and setting the record straight on our great religion - Islam", Khan tweeted.

He also added that the channel would correct the misperceptions which bring people together against Muslims.

Further, Khan said, "Issue of blasphemy would be properly contextualized; series and films would be produced on Muslim history to educate/inform our own people and the world; Muslims would be given a dedicated media presence.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia will jointly launch an English language channel 'dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia'.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia will jointly launch an English language channel 'dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia'. In a tweet, Khan said that the decision was taken during his meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in New York. "President Erdogan, PM Mahatir and I had a meeting today in which we decided our 3 countries would jointly start an English language channel dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia and setting the record straight on our great religion - Islam", Khan tweeted. He also added that the channel would correct the misperceptions which bring people together against Muslims. Further, Khan said, "Issue of blasphemy would be properly contextualized; series and films would be produced on Muslim history to educate/inform our own people and the world; Muslims would be given a dedicated media presence.

Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia to jointly launch English channel for confronting 'Islamophobia'

US&nbsp;endurance swimmer Sarah Thomas has become the first person to swim across the English Channel four times without stopping, refuelling only on a liquid formula during her 54-hour feat.

The 37-year-old woman from Colorado performed her record-breaking swim a year after receiving treatment for breast cancer, and dedicated her achievement to fellow cancer survivors.

She came ashore on a beach near Dover, on the south coast of England, on Tuesday morning, exhausted and with a sore throat from all the saltwater.

"I was throwing up, I was sick," she said, huddled in a towel.

"I was really just pretty numb," she told the BBC soon afterwards in a croaky voice.

"There were a lot of people on the beach to meet me and wish me well. That was really nice of them, but I feel just mostly stunned right now, I just can't believe we did it."

In theory, the route that Thomas swam should have been 80 miles (130 km) long, but due to strong currents in the Channel she in fact swam 130 miles (210 km). She said she saw lots of fish and jellyfish along the way.

Previously, four swimmers had crossed the water between England and France three times without stopping.

Thomas consumed only a liquid diet during her swim. Her support crew, following her in a boat, would throw her a bottle containing a mix of carbohydrates, electrolytes and some caffeine, with a little apple juice to improve the flavour.

"That's what I ate most of the way," she said.

Upon arrival, she tried to celebrate with champagne but found it did not go down well. She did manage to eat some M&amp;M chocolates.

"Hopefully I can sleep the rest of the day. I'm pretty out of it and pretty tired right now, for sure," she said.

US endurance swimmer Sarah Thomas has become the first person to swim across the English Channel four times without stopping, refuelling only on a liquid formula during her 54-hour feat.

US endurance swimmer Sarah Thomas has become the first person to swim across the English Channel four times without stopping, refuelling only on a liquid formula during her 54-hour feat. The 37-year-old woman from Colorado performed her record-breaking swim a year after receiving treatment for breast cancer, and dedicated her achievement to fellow cancer survivors. She came ashore on a beach near Dover, on the south coast of England, on Tuesday morning, exhausted and with a sore throat from all the saltwater. "I was throwing up, I was sick," she said, huddled in a towel. "I was really just pretty numb," she told the BBC soon afterwards in a croaky voice. "There were a lot of people on the beach to meet me and wish me well. That was really nice of them, but I feel just mostly stunned right now, I just can't believe we did it." In theory, the route that Thomas swam should have been 80 miles (130 km) long, but due to strong currents in the Channel she in fact swam 130 miles (210 km). She said she saw lots of fish and jellyfish along the way. Previously, four swimmers had crossed the water between England and France three times without stopping. Thomas consumed only a liquid diet during her swim. Her support crew, following her in a boat, would throw her a bottle containing a mix of carbohydrates, electrolytes and some caffeine, with a little apple juice to improve the flavour. "That's what I ate most of the way," she said. Upon arrival, she tried to celebrate with champagne but found it did not go down well. She did manage to eat some M&M chocolates. "Hopefully I can sleep the rest of the day. I'm pretty out of it and pretty tired right now, for sure," she said.

US woman crosses Channel four times in record-breaking swim

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/french-submarine-lost-in-1968-located-in-mediterranean-237670&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiTv4HDz83jAhWKsI8KHRFQB5EQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zsnytPea_NwIasCtp9EJO">French</a> coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said.

The migrants themselves signalled to emergency services they were in distress off Calais and the coastguard mobilised a rescue vessel backed by a helicopter, the local maritime authorities said in a statement.

The migrants were safely returned to the port of Dunkirk and handed over to border police.

Migrants in northern France are increasingly willing to take greater risks to reach Britain due to hardline policing and increased security at ports in the area.

French authorities strongly warn against such attempts, noting that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The first months of this year saw a spike in Channel crossings by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-police-pull-back-from-isolated-outposts-as-losses-mount-238143&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrid3Xz83jAhWBknAKHftjCXkQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kOU8tf-giMAngvnpwP7o6">Afghan</a>, Iranian, Iraqi and African migrants trying to reach England, prompting stepped-up patrols by British and French police.

The French boss of a second-hand boat firm was sentenced to prison in May for selling dozens of vessels to migrants who used them to cross the Channel.

French coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said.

French coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said. The migrants themselves signalled to emergency services they were in distress off Calais and the coastguard mobilised a rescue vessel backed by a helicopter, the local maritime authorities said in a statement. The migrants were safely returned to the port of Dunkirk and handed over to border police. Migrants in northern France are increasingly willing to take greater risks to reach Britain due to hardline policing and increased security at ports in the area. French authorities strongly warn against such attempts, noting that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The first months of this year saw a spike in Channel crossings by Afghan, Iranian, Iraqi and African migrants trying to reach England, prompting stepped-up patrols by British and French police. The French boss of a second-hand boat firm was sentenced to prison in May for selling dozens of vessels to migrants who used them to cross the Channel.

French coastguards rescue 11 migrants headed for Britain in Channel

The coffin of footballer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a>, who died in a plane crash between Nantes and Cardiff, arrived in Argentina on Friday ahead of his funeral in his hometown of Progreso.&nbsp;

The British Airways flight carrying the body landed shortly after 9:00 am (1200 GMT) at Buenos Aires airport. A van waited to drive it for funeral ceremonies in northeastern Santa Fe, the capital of Santa Fe province before it is returned to the family for final rites on Saturday.

"This is a day of historic grief for Progreso. We could never have imagined this, we are all in a state of shock," Daniel Ribero, president of the San Martin de Progreso club, where Sala played for 10 years.

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kylian-mbappe-donates-ps27000-to-search-fund-for-missing-pilot-david-ibbotson-196655">Kylian Mbappe donates £27,000 to search fund for missing pilot David Ibbotson</a>

Sala's body was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-in-channel-wreckage-identified-as-footballer-sala-police-195900">recovered from the plane wreckage</a> in the English Channel last week. He was flying to his new team, English Premier League side Cardiff City, from his old French club Nantes when his plane went missing on January 21.

The 28-year-old died of "head and trunk injuries," an inquest in England heard on Monday.

He was travelling in a light aircraft that disappeared near the British island of Guernsey.

The wreckage was found on the seabed but 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson remains missing.

Sala's former team gave him a rousing send off on Sunday, playing a French league match in a special all black kit for the occasion, with each player wearing the Argentine's name on the back of their jersey rather than their own.

The coffin of footballer Emiliano Sala, who died in a plane crash between Nantes and Cardiff, arrived in Argentina on Friday ahead of his funeral in his hometown of Progreso.

The coffin of footballer Emiliano Sala, who died in a plane crash between Nantes and Cardiff, arrived in Argentina on Friday ahead of his funeral in his hometown of Progreso. The British Airways flight carrying the body landed shortly after 9:00 am (1200 GMT) at Buenos Aires airport. A van waited to drive it for funeral ceremonies in northeastern Santa Fe, the capital of Santa Fe province before it is returned to the family for final rites on Saturday. "This is a day of historic grief for Progreso. We could never have imagined this, we are all in a state of shock," Daniel Ribero, president of the San Martin de Progreso club, where Sala played for 10 years. Also Read: Kylian Mbappe donates £27,000 to search fund for missing pilot David Ibbotson Sala's body was recovered from the plane wreckage in the English Channel last week. He was flying to his new team, English Premier League side Cardiff City, from his old French club Nantes when his plane went missing on January 21. The 28-year-old died of "head and trunk injuries," an inquest in England heard on Monday. He was travelling in a light aircraft that disappeared near the British island of Guernsey. The wreckage was found on the seabed but 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson remains missing. Sala's former team gave him a rousing send off on Sunday, playing a French league match in a special all black kit for the occasion, with each player wearing the Argentine's name on the back of their jersey rather than their own.

Footballer Emiliano Sala's body arrives in Argentina

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