French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel following UK pressure
France has agreed to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after months of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the British leader wrote to the President asking him to support the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is viewed as excessively high a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to snarl the propellers of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, following a brief change towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left office.
That was highlighted in July, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.
Now French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking passengers from the beaches of northern France, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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