French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, following months of insistence from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the British leader wrote to the French leader urging him to support the plan and saying there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have rarely intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police representative states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to disable the propellers of the vessels.
This determination to intervene at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister left office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Currently French officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant individuals from the beaches of northern France, although it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for methods to adjust to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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