France to begin stopping migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
This policy shift follows the British leader sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the plan and stating there presently "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 authoritative statements.
French police have rarely acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police representative says officers 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 suggested as a potential technique to disable the propellers of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a major step forward, following a brief change towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which dropped off when the former government official departed from government.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats before they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for comment.
Connected Developments
- Why Britain can't just return migrants to French territory
- France withdrawing from pledge to stop migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
