France to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands
French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of pressure from the UK.
This policy shift comes after the British leader wrote to the French leader urging him to back the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French police have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential 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 more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left office.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were witnessed wading into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.
Currently French authorities will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear 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 adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.
Related Developments
- Reasons Britain cannot just send back asylum seekers to French territory
- France withdrawing from commitment to stop asylum boats
UK immigration
Channel crossings
Border security
