French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel following UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift follows the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to disable the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official departed from government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Now French officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for comment.
Related Developments
- Why UK can't just send back asylum seekers to French territory
- France withdrawing from pledge to stop migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
