Gnews presenter Nana Akua has hit out at Labour’s handling of the Channel crossings crisis following the deaths of three people near Sangatte, France, after a small boat carrying 45 people capsized. Speaking passionately on her show, Akua said: “People are dying, and it’s beyond time for action.”
French authorities confirmed the tragic deaths on Christmas Day, highlighting the dangers of illegal crossings. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to “smash the smuggling gangs,” but Akua and her guests questioned whether enough was being done.
Fraser Myers, deputy editor of Spiked, pointed out that while the gangs are an issue, the UK’s current policies make it too easy for migrants to stay even if they fail their asylum claims. “There’s no real deterrent,” he said. “If they come, they know they’re unlikely to be deported—even if their asylum claim is denied.”
The discussion turned to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which some believe ties the UK’s hands on deportations. Myers argued that the UK should consider leaving the ECHR, citing cases where dangerous individuals have avoided deportation by exploiting human rights laws.
Akua agreed, stating: “If leaving the ECHR is what it takes to stop people dying, then we should do it. How many more tragedies do we need before something changes?”
Labour and Conservative leaders have both criticized the government’s controversial Rwanda scheme, which aimed to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda. Myers was skeptical of its effectiveness but noted it at least signaled an attempt to address the crisis.
He added: “The real issue is enforcing the law. If people know they won’t be deported, they’ll keep coming.”
The panel criticized both Labour and the Conservatives for their failure to address the crisis. Akua accused Labour of being all talk, while Myers argued that the Tories’ mixed messaging has left their position weak and vulnerable to attacks from Reform UK.
“This isn’t just about rhetoric,” said Akua. “People are dying. Families are being destroyed. We need action, not more empty promises.”
With no clear solution in sight, Akua warned that public patience is running out. “We can’t keep kicking this can down the road,” she said. “Lives are at stake, and it’s time for leaders to step up and do their jobs.”
As the crisis continues, the debate over immigration and border enforcement is set to remain a key political battleground in the coming months.
