France has long been a launchpad for migrants hoping to cross the Channel to reach Britain.

The Eastbourne lifeboat was launched at 6am today alongside French and British coastguard vessels after the boat's engine caught fire in French waters. File photo.

« Un “small boat” a pris feu à la limite des eaux françaises et britanniques, conduisant ses occupants à se jeter à l’eau » mardi matin, a annoncé la préfecture du Pas-de-Calais,…