France to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after British demands
France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the English Channel, after months of insistence from the UK.
This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to support the plan and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French naval police representative says personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to disable the propellers of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, following a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official left government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when French police were observed wading into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French officials will again be permitted to stop boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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