French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following months of insistence from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the initiative and saying there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both personnel and civilians.
"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police representative states officers will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to disable the propellers of the vessels.
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 former government official departed from government.
This was demonstrated in July, in the run-up to a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will again be allowed to intercept boats before they collect migrant individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.
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