France to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel following UK pressure
France has agreed to start stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.
French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative statements.
French authorities have infrequently acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both officers and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police representative states officers will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a possible method to snarl the propellers of the vessels.
The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister left office.
That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Currently French officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant individuals from the beaches of northern France, however it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.
The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.
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