French authorities will start intercepting small boats in Channel following UK pressure
France has agreed to start intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to back the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have rarely intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French naval police representative says personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible method to snarl the engines of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief change towards a stricter approach this summer, which ceased when the former government official left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a boat.
Now French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats before they pick up asylum-seeking passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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