France to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel following UK pressure
French officials have consented to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these methods this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from office.
This was demonstrated in July, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Currently French authorities will once more be permitted to stop boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.
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