French authorities to begin stopping small boats in English Channel after British demands
France has agreed to start intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson states officers will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to disable the engines of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a major advancement, following a short-lived shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister left government.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.
Now French authorities will once more be allowed to stop boats before they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are currently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for response.
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