France will start stopping migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to begin stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister wrote to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop 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 methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible technique to snarl the engines of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, following a brief change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official left government.
That was highlighted in July, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will once more be permitted to intercept boats before they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.
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