French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy comes after the British leader wrote to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.
French police have rarely intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible method to disable the propellers of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a short-lived change towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official departed from government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Now French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats before they collect migrant individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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