France to begin stopping migrant vessels in English Channel after British demands
France has agreed to start stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following months of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police representative states personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Notably, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a possible method to disable the engines of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left office.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.
Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats before they pick up migrant passengers 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 commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
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