France will start intercepting small boats in Channel following UK pressure
France has agreed to start stopping small boats in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the British leader wrote to the President urging him to back the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.
French authorities have rarely acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Currently, a French maritime police representative states personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible method to disable the engines of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a major step forward, following a short-lived change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Now French officials will again be allowed to stop boats before they collect migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently postponing the start of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking ways to adjust to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.
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