French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in Channel following British demands
France has agreed to begin stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French police have rarely acted to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential method to disable 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 summer, which ceased when the previous government official departed from office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Now French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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