French authorities will start stopping migrant vessels in Channel following British demands
France has agreed to start intercepting small boats in the Channel, after months of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police representative says personnel will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.
Notably, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible technique to snarl the propellers of the vessels.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.
Now French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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