French authorities will start stopping migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin stopping small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements.
French authorities have rarely intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is crucial that we deploy these tactics this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Now, a French naval police representative states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a short-lived shift towards a stricter strategy this summer, which ceased when the former Interior Minister departed from government.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.
Now French officials will once more be permitted to intercept boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for response.
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