PM: Need to target 'gangs, traffickers and boat owners'

David Cameron has said Europe needs a "comprehensive plan" to target criminal gangs, traffickers and the owners of the boats.

After an emergency EU summit in Brussels, the Prime Minister said: "But what's emerging is what we need which is a comprehensive plan, going after the criminal gangs, going after the traffickers, going after the owners of the boats, potentially taking action there as well. And stabilising the countries from which these people are coming."

Mr Cameron said it was "right for Britain to step forward" with the Royal Navy to play a role.

"They'll be saving lives, not offering people asylum in the UK, but saving lives and taking them to Italy or to other nearby countries," he added.

"That's the role we can play in the immediate term, but a comprehensive strategy is what in the end will make the difference and solve those problems."