France will start stopping migrant vessels in Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister wrote to the President urging him to support the initiative and stating there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant advancement, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left office.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Currently French officials will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for comment.
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