French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to begin stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the initiative and stating there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police will be allowed to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is essential that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
The decision to intervene at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister departed from office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to slash the hulls of a boat.
Currently French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats before they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for methods to adapt to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
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