French authorities will start stopping migrant vessels in Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, after months of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police representative says officers will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to disable the engines of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived shift towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister left office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
Related Developments
- Reasons Britain cannot just send back migrants to French territory
- France backing away from commitment to stop migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
