France will start stopping small boats in English Channel after 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 French leader asking him to back the initiative and saying there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police will be allowed to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police representative states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential method to disable the engines of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a major step forward, coming after a short-lived change towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left office.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.
Currently French officials will again be permitted to stop boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
Related Developments
- Reasons Britain cannot just return migrants to French territory
- France withdrawing from commitment to intercept migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
