French authorities will start stopping migrant vessels in Channel following British demands
France has agreed to begin stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and stating there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police will be allowed to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.
French police have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible technique to disable the engines of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left government.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Currently French officials will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for comment.
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