Mr Howard says that lessons 'must be learnt'

Mr Howard said lessons needed to be learned following the tragedy, which had "wider policy implications".

Mr Howard said it was vital to "do all we can to make sure nothing like that ever happens again".

The Conservative leader is due to meet members of the Chinese community and rescue workers.

The death toll in the tragedy rose to 20 on Sunday when the body of a woman was found on a sandbank in the bay.

'Obviously a terrible tragedy'

Hours earlier, a leading member of the Chinese community, Gina San, had warned that as many as 24 people may have died.

I'm here today to try to learn about the background to what happened, about its causes and about how we can do all we can to make sure nothing like that ever happens again. Conservative leader, Michael Howard, MP

Speaking at Lancaster Police Station, Mr Howard said: "The tragedy that took place on February 6 was obviously a terrible tragedy for those involved, their loved ones, their families and it was a deep shock for Morecambe, its communities and the whole country.

"It was first and foremost a deep tragedy but it also has wider policy implications.

"I'm here today to try to learn about the background to what happened, about its causes and about how we can do all we can to make sure nothing like that ever happens again.

"I'm going to be listening to what those in charge of the investigation and to what local people have to say and to reflect on that."

Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and have been released on police bail.