French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential technique to disable the engines of the boats.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a short-lived shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister left government.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Currently French officials will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
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