French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to start intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to back the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson says personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Notably, the official excluded the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential method to disable the engines of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from office.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for 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 contacted for comment.
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