France to begin intercepting small boats in Channel following UK pressure
French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and stating there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police representative says personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to disable the propellers of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant advancement, following a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left office.
That was highlighted in July, in the run-up to a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.
Now French authorities will once more be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the start of intervention operations and the human trafficking networks will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.
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