French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following months of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the British leader wrote to the French leader urging him to support the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to official statements.
French police have infrequently acted to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential method to snarl the engines of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, coming after a short-lived shift towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official left government.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Now French officials will again be allowed to stop boats before they pick up migrant individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are currently postponing the start of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be looking for ways to adapt to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for response.
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