French authorities will start stopping small boats in English Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to start intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after months of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police representative says personnel will start intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to disable the engines of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a major step forward, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Currently French authorities will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for comment.
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