PRITI Patel vowed to "smash" the evil smugglers on Thursday who "treat human beings as cargo" following Wednesday evening's tragic deaths in the Channel.

The Home Secretary said there was "no quick fix" to end the "desperately unsafe" crossings but pleaded with the French to allow British cops on their beaches.

After an emergency call with her counterpart Gerald Darmanin, Ms Patel told MPs she "once again" made the offer that has been constantly rejected.

A pregnant woman and three kids were among the deaths in the Channel yesterday after their inflatable dinghy capsized.

Ms Patel told the Commons: "What happened yesterday was a dreadful shock, it was not a surprise but it is also a reminder of how vulnerable people are put at peril when in the hands of criminal gangs.

"There is also no quick fix. This is about addressing long-term pull factors, smashing the criminal gangs that treat human beings as cargo and tackling supply chains."

Ms Patel said she also pressed France to agree to a returns policy so migrants who land in Britain know they'll be sent back.

Just five out of more than 24,000 migrants who've made the crossing in small boats this year have been returned.

Ms Patel said more than 20,000 crossings have been stopped, and 17 organised gangs have been dismantled - but vowed to "strain every sinew" to do more.

Emmanuel Macron today snapped back at fury France wasn't doing enough and insisted it was "totally mobilised".

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We must ‘smash’ smugglers who ‘treat humans as cargo’, vows Priti Patel following migrant deaths in Channel
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