French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels 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 departing from the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we deploy these tactics this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French maritime police representative states officers will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible technique to disable the engines of the vessels.
This determination to intervene at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister departed from government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.
Now French officials will again be permitted to stop boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for 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 contacted for response.
Related Updates
- Reasons UK cannot just return asylum seekers to French territory
- France withdrawing from commitment to intercept asylum boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
