French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following months of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the British leader wrote to the President asking him to back the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.
French police have rarely acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these methods this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police representative says personnel will start intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to snarl the engines of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a boat.
Now French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats before they pick up asylum-seeking passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the start of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for response.
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