French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands
France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, following months of insistence from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to support the plan and saying there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French police have rarely intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police representative states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a potential technique to disable the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief change towards a stricter strategy this summer, which ceased when the former Interior Minister departed from office.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Currently French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats before they collect asylum-seeking passengers from the beaches of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
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