French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel after UK pressure
France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the President urging him to support the initiative and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to official statements.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded 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 zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police representative says officers will start intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible technique to disable the engines of the vessels.
This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a stricter strategy this summer, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister departed from office.
That was highlighted in July, in the run-up to a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.
Connected Updates
- Why UK can't just return migrants to French territory
- French government withdrawing from commitment to stop migrant boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security