Three people, including two children, died while attempting to cross the English Channel from Calais. French authorities reported that the victims were likely crushed on a boat carrying 38 people. The Prefect of Pas-de-Calais, Laurent Touvet, blamed smuggling gangs for the tragedy. Another three individuals are unaccounted for from a separate boat. The UK government faces mounting pressure regarding small boat crossings and asylum applications, with record numbers reported. The new Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, emphasized the need to restore order to the immigration system.