THE government faced calls today to reverse border crackdowns and establish safe refugee routes after it was revealed that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for Channel crossings.

A new report by the Refugee Council shows that at least 69 people lost their lives trying to make the perilous journey — more than the total of 59 recorded between 2019 and 2023.

It notes that the government “seems to have accepted” that enforcement efforts have made journeys more dangerous, yet has failed to announce measures to improve search and rescue.