French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, following months of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.
French authorities have infrequently acted to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson says personnel will start intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible technique to snarl the engines of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a major advancement, coming after a short-lived shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former government official departed from government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Currently French officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
Connected Updates
- Why Britain cannot just return migrants to France
- France withdrawing from commitment to intercept migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
