France will start intercepting small boats in Channel after British demands
France has agreed to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, after months of insistence from the UK.
This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the plan and saying there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French police have infrequently acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson states personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible method to disable the engines 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 approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and President, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Currently French officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be looking for methods to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
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