France to begin stopping migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift follows the British leader wrote to the President asking him to support the plan 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 only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements.
French police have infrequently acted to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson says officers will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible technique to disable the propellers of the vessels.
The decision to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official departed from government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a boat.
Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.
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