French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel following UK pressure
French officials have consented to start intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to back the plan and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both personnel and civilians.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police representative says officers will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a major step forward, following a brief change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister departed from office.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Now French officials will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are currently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking methods to adapt to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for response.
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