Andy Burnham criticises Cameron for using ‘dehumanising language’ after the PM described migrants as a ‘swarm’

Andy Burnham has criticised David Cameron ‘dehumanising language’, after the PM describing Calais refugees as a ‘swarm’.

The Prime Minister told the ITV News that the crisis at Calais, where over 3,000 people are living in a ‘migrant camp’, has become worse because “you have got a swarm of people coming across the Mediterranean, seeking a better life, wanting to come to Britain”.

It’s reported that more than 3,500 people have tried to get into the Channel Tunnel terminal this week. A man aged between 25 and 30, believed to be from Sudan, was killed on Tuesday night. Since 1st June nine other people have been killed. Although evidence suggests that most people seeking refuge in Europe are not attempting to make it to Britain.

Labour leadership candidate Burnham criticised David Cameron for his ‘disgraceful’ choice of words. Burnham tweeted that this shows ‘there’s no dog-whistle these Bullingdon Boys wont blow’.

Diane Abbott, who is in the running to be Labour’s candidate for London Mayor, has criticised the Government’s response to the crisis in Calais. In a hustings on BBC radio, she said they have made an appalling failure.

A spokesperson for the Refugee Council has also said that Cameron’s comments are “awful, dehumanising language from a world leader.”