French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in Channel following British demands
France has agreed to start intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French security forces will be allowed to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both personnel and civilians.
"It is crucial that we deploy these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson says personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible method to snarl the engines of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, following a short-lived change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Currently French authorities will once more be allowed to stop boats before they collect migrant individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.
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