France will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after British demands
France has agreed to start stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation.
French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we implement these methods this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French naval police representative says personnel will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible technique to snarl the propellers of the boats.
This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, following a brief change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the former government official left government.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Now French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats before they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
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