French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.
This policy shift follows the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the plan and stating there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson says personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a possible technique to snarl the propellers of the vessels.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official departed from office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Currently French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
Related Developments
- Why Britain can't just return asylum seekers to France
- France backing away from pledge to stop asylum boats
