France to begin intercepting small boats in Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following months of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to support the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both personnel and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential technique to disable the engines of the boats.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief change towards a stricter approach this summer, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister departed from government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Currently French authorities will once more be allowed to stop boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the beaches of northern France, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the start of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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