France to begin stopping small boats in Channel after British demands
France has agreed to start intercepting small boats in the Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift follows the Prime Minister wrote to the President asking him to support the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements.
French police have rarely intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these methods this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police representative states officers will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.
Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister departed from office.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.
Currently French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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