France will start intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to start stopping small boats in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French security forces will be allowed to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great 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."
Now, a French maritime police representative states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to disable the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which ceased when the former Interior Minister left office.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Currently French authorities will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for methods to adjust to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
Related Developments
- Why UK can't just return asylum seekers to French territory
- French government withdrawing from commitment to intercept migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
