France to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after British demands
France has agreed to start intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" 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 confirmation.
French authorities have rarely intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and civilians.
"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson says personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to disable the engines of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left office.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for 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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