French authorities will start stopping migrant vessels in English Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to back the plan and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces will be allowed to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as excessively high a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we deploy these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French maritime police representative states officers will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential method to disable the propellers of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed wading into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats before they collect migrant individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for methods to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
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