French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after British demands
France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.
French police have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these methods this period... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police representative states personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible method to snarl the propellers of the vessels.
The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Currently French authorities will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the human trafficking networks will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for response.
Related Developments
- Reasons Britain can't just send back asylum seekers to French territory
- French government withdrawing from commitment to intercept migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
