French authorities will start intercepting small boats in English Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to start intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French police have rarely acted to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police representative states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief change towards a stricter approach this summer, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister departed from government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.
Currently French authorities will once more be permitted to stop boats prior to they collect migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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