French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following months of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police will be allowed to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to official statements.
French police have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this period... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to disable the engines of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former government official departed from office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Currently French authorities will again be permitted to stop boats before they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
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