France will start stopping migrant vessels in English Channel following UK pressure
France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the English Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the British leader wrote to the French leader urging him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have rarely intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential technique to disable the engines of the vessels.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left office.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
Related Updates
- Why UK can't just send back migrants to French territory
- French government withdrawing from pledge to intercept asylum boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
