French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after months of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister wrote to the President urging him to back the plan and saying there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces will be allowed to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French authorities have rarely intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states officers will start intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible technique to disable the engines of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister departed from office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Currently French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats before they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, however it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently postponing 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 previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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