French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after British demands
France has agreed to start stopping small boats in the Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the initiative and saying there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French police have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police representative says officers will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a possible method to disable the propellers of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister departed from office.
That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.
Currently French officials will once more be permitted to stop boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.
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