French authorities to begin stopping small boats in Channel following UK pressure
France has agreed to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to support the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police will be allowed to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson says officers will start taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to disable the engines of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant step forward, following a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official departed from office.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats before they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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