France to begin stopping small boats in English Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader urging him to back the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation.
French police have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Now, a French naval police representative says officers will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential method to disable the propellers of the vessels.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant advancement, following a short-lived shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
Connected Updates
- Why Britain cannot just send back asylum seekers to France
- French government withdrawing from commitment to intercept migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
