French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after British demands
France has agreed to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and stating there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and civilians.
"It is crucial that we deploy these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French maritime police representative states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential method to snarl the engines of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats before they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
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