THE biggest loss of life of refugees trying to cross the Channel to Britain is the subject of an inquiry that begins today, with campaigners calling for justice.

Thirty-one men, women and children died while trying to cross the Straits of Dover on November 24 2021.

Care4Calais is among those who have submitted evidence to the four-day Cranston inquiry, which will investigate the circumstances that led to the deaths and draw lessons for the future.

Chief of the campaign group Steve Smith said the deaths were caused by the hostile environment policy. He said: “It was the biggest tragedy in the English Channel for decades but, sadly, due to a lack of safe routes to claim asylum in the UK, it has not been the last.

“The families have waited over three years for answers. Our hope is that the Cranston Inquiry will finally provide them the answers, and justice, they deserve.

“The inquiry must help put the UK on the path to a system that treats people seeking sanctuary with dignity and compassion by making the undeniable case that safe routes save lives.”

The hearings, at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, are expected to go on until March 27.