France to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French police have rarely acted to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police representative states officers will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, following a brief change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the former government official departed from government.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will again be allowed to stop boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to evade detection, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.
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