France to begin stopping small boats in English Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to back the plan and stating there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French police have rarely intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great 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 naval police spokesperson says personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible method to snarl the engines of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a major step forward, following a brief shift towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which ceased when the former Interior Minister left government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.
Now French authorities will once more be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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