French authorities will start stopping migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands
France has agreed to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the plan and stating there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states officers will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a major step forward, following a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and French president, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Currently French authorities will once more be permitted to stop boats before they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the start of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
Related Developments
- Why UK can't just return migrants to France
- French government backing away from pledge to intercept asylum boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
