French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to back the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and civilians.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French naval police representative states personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential technique to disable the engines of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official departed from government.
This was demonstrated in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.
Currently French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are currently delaying the start of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking methods to adjust to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
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