GB News issued a breaking news update on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as host Alex Armstrong paused the programme to announce that a woman had died attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Details of the Incident
Alex Armstrong said: "In the last few moments, it has been confirmed that a woman has died attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat." He then read a statement from Kent Police, which said: "Kent police officers are conducting initial enquiries following the death of a woman on a small boat on Saturday the 20th of June 2026. Officers were called to Dover at 3.11 pm along with other emergency services, where the woman was pronounced deceased."
Government Response
A UK government spokesperson said: "This afternoon, border security command maritime responded to a small boat that had entered the UK waters. On intercepting this boat, a migrant was found to be unresponsive. Despite medical assistance, we are deeply saddened to confirm that they have since died. Our thoughts are with all of those affected. This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings. We continue to work relentlessly with the French and other partners overseas to prevent these serious journeys."
Hosts' Reactions
Armstrong commented: "It beggars belief to me that the government still are not getting even tougher on it because every time a migrant comes over the Channel there's a risk of death. We've seen many this year already, and surely the immediate response from the government should be that we have to create a very strong deterrence to stop this." His co-star added: "Well, it makes me even more angry with the scumbags who are taking these huge bribes off people and putting them in harm's way on the Channel, and when we say you know smash the gangs, that's what we're talking about. We're talking about those kingpins who are making millions off this human misery. I don't blame people wanting a better life. I do blame the people exploiting their weakness. Is the government doing enough? No it's not."
