French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands
France has agreed to begin stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the plan and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states officers will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the vessels.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which dropped off when the former government official departed from office.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Now French officials will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for response.
Related Updates
- Reasons Britain can't just send back migrants to French territory
- France withdrawing from commitment to stop migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
