France to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel following UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to support the initiative and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.
French police have rarely intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both officers 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 spokesperson says officers will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a possible technique to snarl the propellers of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a major step forward, following a short-lived change towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official left office.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.
Currently French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
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