This was the final sentence in an opinion piece in the Guardian newspaper on Thursday 3 October reflecting on the sinking of the migrant boat off the coast of Italy near the island of Lampedusa, where it is now confirmed there are over 300 dead.

Like Australia, Europe faces the continual challenge as boats arrive in waves, reflecting the fever pitch that is reached when people who are faced with desperate circumstances take desperate measure to try to make a better life for themselves. Read more