Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people seeking sanctuary in the UK have died either at sea or on land in each year since 2014.

The death of any individual attempting to travel to the United Kingdom whether at sea or in a vehicle on land is a tragic event. No-one should be risking their life in an attempt to enter the UK in such dangerous ways, and the Home Office continues to work with international partners to tackle the organised criminal gangs who are coordinating such attempts. Those who need international protection claim asylum in the first safe country they reach, as that is the fastest route to safety.

It is not possible to ascertain the motives of individuals seeking to travel to the UK, whether to seek sanctuary or otherwise. However, this Government is determined to support those who genuinely need protection and through our resettlement schemes, we are making sure our doors remain open to the people who most need our help.