France will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to start intercepting small boats in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader urging him to back the plan and stating there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have rarely acted to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police representative says personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to disable the propellers of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a short-lived change towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister departed from office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are currently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for comment.
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