French authorities to begin stopping small boats in English Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following months of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift follows the British leader wrote to the French leader urging him to back the initiative and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French naval police representative says personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible technique to snarl the engines of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, following a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official departed from government.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Now French officials will once more be permitted to stop boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.
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