France will start stopping migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to back the plan and stating there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French authorities have rarely acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both personnel and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be allowed to intercept boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.
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