France to begin stopping small boats in Channel following UK pressure
French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.
French police have rarely acted to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police representative states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible technique to disable the propellers of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister left office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for comment.
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