Labour’s Yvette Cooper was called out by the BBC Question Time audience for not giving a straight answer during a debate on the migrant crisis.

The shadow home secretary was asked if Labour would increase the number of safe and legal routes as the show discussed how to prevent deaths of people crossing the Channel in small boats.

Ms Cooper said: “There always have been and there always will be safe routes but there also will always have to be limits and constraints on them.”

Pressing her on the question, host Fiona Bruce said: “You may be home secretary in a week. Will you increase safe and legal routes, yes or no?”

The Labour politician replied: “We will continue to support things like the resettlement schemes and we believe they should be reformed because they’re not working.”

Ms Bruce said: “I think that’s a no…” Ms Cooper said: “Wait a minute, let me finish, you’re not letting me finish, let me finish the point.”

Turning to the audience, the Question Time host asked: “What do you think folks?” Shouts of no were heard as members of the audience called out in response.

Ms Cooper said: “Unless you deal with the criminal gangs in the Channel, this problem is going to get worse.” An audience member then shouted: “Just answer the question yes or no.”

The shadow home secretary said: “I don’t think any changes to legal routes would prevent the criminal gangs operating so you have to go after the gangs.

“We do need to have proper resettlement schemes but I don’t think they would prevent the criminal gangs operating.”