French authorities will start intercepting small boats in Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the initiative and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently acted to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, 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.
The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this summer, which ceased when the former government official departed from office.
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 hulls of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be permitted to stop boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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