French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the plan and stating there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and civilians.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to snarl the engines of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, following a brief change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister left office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will again be permitted to stop boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking passengers from the beaches of northern France, however it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking methods to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
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