Migrant deaths: Boris Johnson speaks with Emmanuel Macron following fatal sinking of boat in English Channel

Boris Johnson has spoken to French President Emmanuel Macron following the sinking of a migrant boat in the Channel, Downing Street said.

A No 10 spokesman said: “They agreed on the urgency of stepping up joint efforts to prevent these deadly crossings and to do everything possible to stop the gangs responsible for putting people’s lives at risk.

“They underlined the importance of close working with neighbours in Belgium and the Netherlands as well as partners across the continent if we are to tackle the problem effectively before people reach the French coast.

“Both leaders were clear that today’s tragic loss of life was a stark reminder that it is vital to keep all options on the table to stop these lethal crossings and break the business model of the criminal gangs behind them.”

It comes after the Prime Minister urged France to step up efforts to stem the flow of migrants crossing the Channel after a boat capsized off the French coast with the loss of 31 lives.

The Prime Minister said the tragic incident showed the operations that have taken place to date “haven’t been enough”.

He said he wanted to work with the French authorities to “demolish” the business model of human traffickers who were “literally getting away with murder”.

President Emmanuel Macron called for an emergency meeting of European ministers, the BBC reported, as he vowed: “France will not let the Channel become a cemetery.”