In what was an avoidable tragedy, at least 27 people have died trying to reach the UK after their boat capsized in the English Channel. Anoosh Chakelian, Ailbhe Rea and Stephen Bush discuss the political context that allowed this to happen, and its implications for the government.

Then, in You Ask Us, a listener wonders whether the Northern Ireland shadow secretary Louise Haigh made a gaffe by saying Labour would remain neutral in a poll on Irish unification.

If you have a question for You Ask Us, send an email or a voice note to podcasts@newstatesman.co.uk 

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