Secretary of State for Transport (): On 5 February 2026 Sir
published the Cranston
Inquiry's report into the tragic events of November 2021 when at
least 30 people died attempting to cross the Channel in a small
boat. Government has today published an interim response to the
report.
Our deepest sympathies remain with the survivors and the loved
ones of those who lost their lives. I wish to express my sincere
thanks to Sir Ross for undertaking this Inquiry with great care
and diligence and to all of those that participated.
Search and rescue in the channel looks very different today than
in 2021. Many crucial changes have been made including closer
working with France, additional people and assets, and the
adoption of new technologies, but it is important that we
continue to learn and improve wherever possible, including
learning lessons from the Cranston Inquiry's report.
Of the 18 recommendations made by the Inquiry, 15 were
principally operational in nature and three were focused on
policy matters. This interim response focuses on the 15
operational recommendations which have all been accepted in full.
The response also sets out the actions that have already been
taken, and additional actions that will be taken, against each
recommendation.
The Department for Transport and His Majesty's Coastguard, part
of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), are dedicated to
delivering our vital maritime search and rescue responsibilities
and will continue to seek opportunities to learn and improve.
The Department is conducting a review of the MCA which will
consider its functions, form, governance, and performance. It
will report to Ministers this year and inform Government's
response to the outstanding recommendations of the Cranston
Inquiry.
