French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel following British demands
France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and saying there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both personnel and civilians.
"It is essential that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French maritime police representative says personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to disable the engines of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a significant advancement, coming after a short-lived change towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which dropped off when the former government official departed from office.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Now French officials will again be permitted to stop boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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