France to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to start stopping small boats in the English Channel, after months of insistence from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we deploy these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Notably, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to disable the propellers of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a short-lived change towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which dropped off when the previous government official left office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting 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 officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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