France to begin intercepting small boats in Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to start intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of insistence from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to support the plan and stating there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.
French police have rarely intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson says personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a short-lived shift towards a stricter approach this summer, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left office.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Currently French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats before they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.
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