French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the British leader wrote to the French leader urging him to support the plan and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French police have rarely acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French maritime police representative says personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible technique to disable the engines of the boats.
The decision to intervene at all is a major advancement, coming after a short-lived change towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister left office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Now French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats before they collect migrant individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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