French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to support the initiative and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both personnel and civilians.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to disable the engines of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a summit between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.
Currently French officials will once more be allowed to stop boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
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