French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the British leader wrote to the French leader urging 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 passengers, according to authoritative confirmation.
French police have rarely acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel."
Currently, a French maritime police representative states personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson 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.
The decision to take action at all is a major step forward, following a short-lived shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when French police were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Currently French officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
Related Developments
- Reasons Britain cannot just return asylum seekers to French territory
- French government backing away from pledge to stop migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
