French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in Channel following UK pressure
France has agreed to begin stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following months of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the plan and stating there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently acted to prevent 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 spokesperson says personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to disable the propellers of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a short-lived shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official departed from government.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French officials will once more be permitted to intercept 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.
Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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