French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the President asking him to back the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French naval police representative says officers will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible method to disable the engines of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official departed from government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Now French authorities will once more be allowed to stop boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.
Connected Updates
- Reasons Britain can't just return asylum seekers to French territory
- France withdrawing from commitment to intercept asylum boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
