French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to begin stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of insistence from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French police have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both personnel and civilians.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police representative states personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.
Notably, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to disable the propellers of the vessels.
The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister departed from office.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be allowed to stop boats before they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for methods to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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