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David Cameron has been accused of using 'dehumanising language' after describing Calais migrants as a 'swarm'.

Speaking during a visit to Vietnam, Mr Cameron told ITV News that the problem had become worse in recent months because "you have got a swarm of people coming across the Mediterranean, seeking a better life, wanting to come to Britain".

Labour leadership candidate Andy Burnham slammed the Prime Minister's choice of words as "disgraceful."

He said it "confirms there's no dog-whistle these Bullingdon Boys won't Blow."

And a spokesperson for the Refugee Council described Cameron's comments as "awful, dehumanising language from a world leader."

Ukip leader Nigel Farage also distanced himself from the term, suggesting it was part of an effort by Mr Cameron to appear "tough" on immigration.

Asked if he would use the word "swarm", Mr Farage told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "No. No, I'm not seeking to use language like that.

"The Prime Minister is this morning trying to sound tough. Whether he actually means it or not is quite a separate question."

But just an hour earlier, Farage had used the word during an interview on ITV's Good Morning Britain.

He said: "‘A couple of times I’ve been stuck on the motorway and surrounded by swarms of potential migrants to Britain and once, even, they tried the back door of the car to see whether they could get in.’