French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel after British demands
France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, following months of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and civilians.
"It is essential that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to disable the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a significant advancement, following a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official departed from government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Currently French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats before they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are currently postponing the start of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for comment.
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