France will start stopping small boats in Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and saying there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their passengers, according to official statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both officers 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 start taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Currently French officials will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently postponing the start of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for response.
Connected Updates
- Reasons UK can't just send back migrants to French territory
- France backing away from pledge to intercept asylum boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
