French authorities to begin stopping small boats in Channel after British demands
French officials have consented to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, after months of pressure from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and saying there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.
French police have infrequently acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.
"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."
Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the vessels.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Currently French authorities will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.
Powerful gusts are currently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for comment.
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