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Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents and writers.

Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories from around the world.

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From Our Own Correspondent: Channel migrant deaths on the rise

14/03/2024

Channel migrant deaths on the rise

BBC Radio 4 - From Our Own Correspondent, Channel migrant deaths on the rise

While channel crossings in small boats are down, the number of people dying is rising.

With millions of pounds spent on tech like drones, and with more police patrolling the French coast, channel crossings are down - but more migrants dying.

Kate Adie presents stories from France, India, the US, Panama and Spain. 

It’s been a year since the UK signed a deal with France to help reduce the number of boats crossing the Channel and break up the smuggling gangs. And whilst the number of crossings is falling, there’s been a rise in migrants dying as they take ever greater risks to reach the UK. Andrew Harding reports from Calais. 

In the coming weeks, India will be calling national elections, with voting taking place over several weeks. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is expected to win a third consecutive term in office. Samira Hussain examines his enduring popularity - and the schisms opened by his policies. 

The film Oppenheimer, about the creator of the atomic bomb, dominated the Oscars with seven Academy awards. Much of the film is set in the town of Los Alamos, in New Mexico where physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer carried out his research. Emma Vardy reports on its lasting effects on local communities. 

The Panama canal is vital to international trade, providing an essential shipping route and a short cut between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. But, as Michelle Fleury explains, fewer ships are currently making their way through, due to a water shortage. 

And in southern Spain, we join Polly Hope in Seville's cathedral, amongst the visitors and the faithful as they mark Lent with a procession through the historic streets of the city.

Producer: Sally Abrahams
Production co-ordinator: Sophie Hill
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

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