French authorities will start intercepting small boats in Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the French leader asking him to back the plan and saying 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 migrants, according to official statements.
French police have rarely intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Currently, a French maritime police representative says personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Notably, the official excluded the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to disable the engines of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a major advancement, following a short-lived change towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister left government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when French police 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 pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for methods to adjust to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for response.
Connected Updates
- Why UK cannot just return asylum seekers to French territory
- French government backing away from commitment to intercept migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
