French authorities will start intercepting small boats in Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French police have rarely intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as excessively high a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police representative states officers will start taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to disable the propellers of the boats.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this summer, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, although it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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