Small boats, big Hearts

We Came By Sea, by Horatio Clare, gives a different side to the small boats crisis from the one we hear on the news every day. Instead, the travel writer and memoirist reveals a side to the British people that is rarely acknowledged.

It is the story of the volunteers who help thousands of refugees in Calais, and of the lifeboat crews mounting one of the great search and rescue operations of all time. These activities, giving help to the vulnerable and desperate, go almost unrecognised and uncelebrated.

Clare identifies the huge cost and futility of recent schemes from Rwanda to Bibby Stockholm, and the divisive rhetoric of ‘Stop the Boats’, calling for more compassionate and effective solutions to the crisis.

Looking ahead, he says that a global response will be required to deal with what will become increasing global migration caused by the climate crisis and geopolitical tensions.

Meanwhile he believes that our nation is as great and as good as the people in the dinghies believe.

Horatio Clare is in conversation with Stephen Moss on Saturday 18 October at 12.15pm