France to begin intercepting small boats in Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to begin stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister wrote to the President asking him to support the initiative and saying there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French police have infrequently acted to prevent the overcrowded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French maritime police representative says personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to snarl the engines of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, coming after a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the former government official left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Currently French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
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