French authorities will start stopping migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to start stopping small boats in the English Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Notably, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible method to snarl the engines of the vessels.
The decision to take action at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister left office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Now French officials will once more be permitted to stop boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
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