French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel following British demands
France has agreed to begin stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative 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 personnel and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police representative states officers will start intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible technique to disable the engines of the vessels.
The decision to take action at all is a major step forward, following a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which dropped off when the former government official left office.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed wading into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for ways to adapt to evade detection, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
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