French authorities to begin stopping small boats in English Channel following British demands
France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift follows the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both personnel and civilians.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson says personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to disable the propellers of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, following a short-lived change towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister departed from office.
That was highlighted in July, in the run-up to a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Currently French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.
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