France to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel following UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to back 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 collected their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police representative states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to snarl the engines of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief change towards a stricter approach this summer, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.
This was demonstrated in July, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Currently French authorities will once more be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect migrant individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.
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