Migrant dies as overloaded boat sinks in Channel; 62 rescued
The incident occurred overnight from Sunday to Monday, and 62 people were rescued from the water, the Maritime Prefect of the Channel and the North Sea said.
Migrants swim to board a smugglers' boat in order to attempt crossing the English channel off the beach of Audresselles, northern France on October 25, 2024.
A PERSON has died after a small overloaded boat sank while attempting to cross the English Channel, according to French authorities.
The incident occurred overnight from Sunday to Monday, and 62 people were rescued from the water, the Maritime Prefect of the Channel and the North Sea said.
A French Navy helicopter spotted an unconscious person in the water. The individual was later declared dead by the medical team on board a French assistance and rescue intervention tug, French authorities said.
A mother and her baby suffering from hypothermia were taken to hospital in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. The French tug rescued 50 people, the RNLI rescued two, and the Border Force Ranger recovered nine people, the BBC reported.
The remaining rescued individuals were taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer quay and handed over to land rescue services.
A migrant also died in a Channel crossing attempt in April.
More than 12,500 people have crossed the Channel on small boats so far in 2025. April's crossings were 42 per cent higher than in 2024 and 81 per cent higher than in 2023, BBC reported.
Home Office figures show this is the highest January–April total since records began in 2018.
UK growers are reporting a bumper crop of unusually large strawberries this spring, thanks to a spell of bright sunshine and cool nights that has created near-perfect growing conditions. However, as the dry weather continues, experts are warning that water shortages could pose a risk to future harvests.
According to Bartosz Pinkosz, operations director at the Summer Berry Company, strawberry plants have benefited significantly from this year’s weather pattern. “We had the darkest January and February since the 1970s, but then the brightest March and April since 1910,” he said. “From March onwards, it was really kind of perfect for tunnel strawberries.”
The company, which grows fruit at its farm in Colworth, West Sussex, supplies major UK retailers. Pinkosz said the strawberries being harvested this month are consistently larger than average, with some weighing as much as 50g – around the size of a plum or even a kiwi. The average size this season is approximately 30g, still well above the norm.
He explained that the combination of abundant sunshine and cool night temperatures had slowed the ripening process, allowing more time for the fruit to develop. “The slower the development of the fruits, the more time to expand the cells and create the bigger berry,” he said. “I have genuinely never seen a harvest produce such large berries consistently in my 19 years of working in this field.”
The UK strawberries' large size has drawn attention from across the industry. Nick Marston, chair of British Berry Growers, confirmed that this year’s crop is showing excellent quality across several key characteristics. “We’re seeing very good size, shape, appearance, and most of all, really great flavour and sugar content, which is what consumers want when they buy British strawberries,” he said.
Marston cautioned that while reports of strawberries being 20% bigger are accurate for some growers, averages across the country may vary. “Some crops will be slightly smaller than others, but it would be fair to say that the very nice sunshine and cool overnight temperatures have been ideal for fruit development,” he added.
Strawberries being 20% bigger are accurate for some growersGetty
The season's early warmth also led to gluts of aubergines and tomatoes at the start of May. However, with continued dry conditions, concern is growing among farmers about the possibility of a summer drought, especially in the south-east of England. Marston acknowledged the risk but noted that strawberry crops generally use water-efficient drip irrigation systems. “Water is used very sparingly,” he said.
Despite the potential challenges, this season’s UK strawberries have started strong, and the signs are positive ahead of the summer. With Wimbledon on the horizon in June, British tennis fans may once again be treated to large, juicy strawberries during the tournament – a popular seasonal tradition.
The consistently warmer spring and its effects on UK strawberries' large size have been welcomed by consumers and retailers alike. Yet growers remain alert to the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of sustainable water management.
As the strawberry season progresses, the industry is watching closely to see whether the favourable conditions can be maintained. While the current outlook for size and flavour is positive, the warning about water supply highlights the delicate balance required to maintain crop health and quality in the months ahead.
The UK is experiencing widespread rainfall as a 320-mile-long band of wet weather stretches across western parts of England, marking a significant shift from the record-breaking warmth earlier in May.
According to WXCharts data, the rain is sweeping in from the southwest, beginning in Devon and moving northwards through Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and up to Lancashire and Cumberland. The affected areas also include Westmorland, Dorset, Cornwall, and parts of the West Midlands.
This change in conditions comes after a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather, when some areas recorded temperatures approaching 30°C. Temperatures have since dropped sharply in many regions, with some areas experiencing a decline of more than 15°C, as unsettled weather patterns take hold.
The Met Office has advised that this spell of wet and unsettled weather is expected to continue into early June. Current conditions include prolonged rainfall, occasional thunderstorms, and strong winds across several western counties. This development forms part of a broader weather system moving in from the Atlantic, which is expected to influence the UK’s conditions in the coming days.
Britons are encouraged to keep waterproof clothing and umbrellas close at handWXCHARTS.COM
A Met Office spokesperson stated: “As we head into the bank holiday weekend and the following week, a change in weather type is expected. More unsettled conditions are likely to develop, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic.”
The northwest is forecast to be the first area impacted, with frontal systems bringing periods of heavy rain and gusty winds. These conditions are predicted to gradually extend across the UK over the weekend.
Although some regions may experience short-lived sunny intervals, these are likely to be interspersed with showers, some of which could be heavy or thundery. Temperatures are forecast to remain close to seasonal averages but may feel cooler due to persistent wind and cloud cover.
The Met Office added: “Drier and brighter intervals are likely between systems but with showers, some of which could be heavy or thundery. Temperatures will probably be close to average, perhaps slightly above at times, but will feel fairly cool in the often strong winds.”
Looking ahead to the period from 2 to 16 June, the weather outlook remains mixed. Forecasters expect the western regions of the UK to see wetter conditions, while the east may remain relatively drier. Although no prolonged heatwaves are currently predicted, short spells of very warm or hot weather remain a possibility.
The long-range forecast notes: “Overall, it will likely be wetter in the west and drier in the east. Temperatures will probably average out around normal, although some very warm or even hot spells are still possible, as normal for the time of year.”
With the start of meteorological summer approaching on 1 June, the public is being advised to prepare for changeable conditions. The current rainfall pattern is part of what is expected to be an unsettled end to May, particularly for those in western counties.
As the bank holiday weekend nears, Britons are encouraged to keep waterproof clothing and umbrellas close at hand, as further wet and windy spells are expected to affect much of the country.
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Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission and Keir Starmer stand together, ahead of their bilateral meeting at the 6th European Political Community summit on May 16 in Tirana, Albania.
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer was expected to sign a new agreement with the European Union at a summit in London on Monday, marking the first major step towards closer UK-EU ties since Brexit.
EU and UK negotiators reached agreement on a deal to "reset" their relations post-Brexit, diplomats said, after talks ran into Sunday night to resolve squabbling over key sticking points — with the sensitive matter of fishing rights top of the list.
EU diplomats said member states greenlit a trio of texts to be signed at the summit: a Security and Defence Partnership, a statement of EU-UK solidarity, and a Common Understanding on topics including trade, fishing and youth mobility.
The deal comes after Starmer pushed for a reset in UK-EU relations, arguing that the previous deal negotiated by the Conservative government "isn't working for anyone".
Starmer, who came to power in the July general elections, has stated he will not cross several red lines despite seeking closer cooperation with Europe. Some EU demands had remained unresolved, and the move to reset relations has been criticised by the Conservatives, who have called it a "surrender".
A source close to the talks told AFP there was a "late breakthrough last night (and) still steps to take".
The highlight of the summit between Starmer and EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa and Kaja Kallas will be the signing of a "Security and Defence Partnership".
Two other documents are also expected: a joint statement of European solidarity from the EU-UK leaders' summit and a Common Understanding on areas including trade, fishing and youth mobility.
Under the final agreement, Britain will keep its waters open for European fishermen for 12 years after the current deal expires in 2026. In return, the EU will indefinitely ease red tape on food imports from the UK, according to diplomats.
Negotiators also agreed on broad language around youth mobility, leaving detailed discussions for a later stage. The topic remains sensitive, with concerns in London that a youth mobility scheme could be seen as a step back toward freedom of movement between the UK and EU.
Shadow of Russia, Trump
The summit comes amid growing concerns about security in Europe, the threat from Russia, and uncertainty over US support if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
The new defence partnership is expected to enable more regular security discussions, UK participation in EU military missions, and potential access to a 150-billion-euro ($167-billion) EU defence fund.
However, many of the specific terms are still to be negotiated.
Granting the UK’s defence sector full access to EU programmes will require further discussions.
Britain already shares defence ties with 23 EU countries through NATO, making the defence pact one of the easier parts of the agreement to finalise.
"I think we should keep our sense of the importance of this relatively tempered," said Olivia O'Sullivan, director of the UK in the World programme at Chatham House.
"It's the next step in closer cooperation... but not a resolution of many of the outstanding questions," she told AFP.
Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU customs union and single market, but he appears willing to align with the EU on food and agriculture standards.
Red tape, mobility
"Red tape, all the certifications that are required, we absolutely want to reduce that," said Europe Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK’s chief negotiator, in an interview with the BBC on Sunday. He said delays at borders were causing food to rot in lorries.
While Starmer has ruled out a return to freedom of movement, he is open to a youth mobility scheme allowing 18- to 30-year-olds from the UK and EU to study and work across both regions.
He is approaching the matter cautiously amid increasing support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which is opposed to immigration and the EU.
Thomas-Symonds said any such scheme would be "smart and controlled".
He added that the UK is seeking a faster customs lane for British nationals at EU borders.
"We want British people who are going on holiday to be able to go and enjoy their holiday, not be stuck in queues," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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King Charles with Bantam of the Opera choir members
KING CHARLES was welcomed with a special performance by the Bantam of the Opera choir last week during a visit to Bradford as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.
The choir, supported by BBC Radio Leeds, sang an orchestral version of the Bradford City football anthem Take Me Home, Midland Road at Cartwright Hall last Thursday (15).
Following the performance, the King met and spoke with choir members Linda Norton and Mohammed Ibrahim. He applauded the group’s efforts, which form part of ongoing cultural events leading up to Bradford’s role as UK City of Culture in 2025.
The choir has 50 members from across Bradford, including a 90-year-old match-day volunteer and an 18-year-old A-Level student. Members are supporters of Bradford City Football Club and have been learning to sing opera through a challenge led by BBC Radio Leeds.
The name Bantam of the Opera reflects the football club’s nickname, “The Bantams,” and is a play on The Phantom of the Opera musical. The BBC Singers have worked with the group during rehearsals, and ambassadors for the project include Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, opera singer Lesley Garrett, and broadcaster Chris Kamara, a statement said.
Performance of Bantam of the Opera choir
The choir previously performed on the pitch during a Bradford City match celebrating the club’s promotion and commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire.
Choir member Norton said: “This day I will never forget. We’re so proud to have sung for the King. It’s something that will stay with me forever.”
Ibrahim added: “Four months ago, I wouldn’t have believed we’d meet the King. I’ll be telling my grandchildren about this day.”
James Sills, choral leader for the group, said the performance was a proud moment. He said, “It was such an incredible honour to sing for King Charles. Bantam of the Opera did themselves proud, singing with real passion and polish and as proud Bradfordians.
“It was testament to the power of community and to the power of singing and I hope that the King left with a smile on his face and a song in his heart.”
BRITISH INDIAN Consultant Cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, a long-standing campaigner for a more evidence-based approach to all Covid-19 vaccines, has been appointed as an adviser to US president Donald Trump’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement.
Dr Malhotra, a long-time ally of MAHA leaders such as health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and National Institutes of Health (NIH) director Dr Jay Bhattacharya, joins MAHA Action – a grassroots, non-profit organisation focused on research, education, and legislative reform to improve public health.
He is set to relocate to Washington, D.C., to assume his new advisory role, which will centre on three key priorities: revising national dietary guidelines, cracking down on ultra-processed foods, and calling for a moratorium on mRNA Covid-19 vaccines.
“We absolutely can make America healthy again in this electoral term. I’m not doing this for political reasons but to reflect the evidence,” said Dr Malhotra.
He was graduated in medicine from the University of Edinburgh in 2001 and obtained his Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Cardiology from the same university in 2013.
As chief medical adviser to MAHA Action, Dr Malhotra will not be formally employed by the US federal government but will serve as a leading voice in shaping the organisation’s health policy agenda.
His appointment follows recent calls for a pause in the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, citing unresolved concerns about potential health risks.
“There is a pandemic of the vaccine-injured. We can’t make America healthy again if we don’t address this,” he added.
Dr Ramesh Mehta CBE, president of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), welcomed the appointment of a BAPIO member to such a prominent role in the United States.
“Dr Malhotra, a long-standing BAPIO member, has a proven track record of campaigning for the NHS to adopt healthier lifestyle policies in order to improve patient outcomes,” said Dr Mehta.
“He has been a vocal advocate for reducing the harms of medication overuse, tackling the causes of obesity, cutting down on sugar and fizzy drink consumption, and limiting processed foods in our diets. He has also worked to ensure that patients’ voices are heard in evidence-based treatment approaches.
“His advocacy is commendable, and his appointment to this position has the potential to positively impact the health of the American population,” he said.