France to begin intercepting small boats in Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to start intercepting small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and stating there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French police have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both personnel and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to disable the engines of the vessels.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official left government.
This was demonstrated in July, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a boat.
Now French officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently postponing the start of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid interception, 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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