French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to support the plan and stating there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the boats.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left office.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the hulls of a boat.
Now French officials will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be looking for methods to adapt to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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