France will start intercepting small boats in English Channel following British demands
France has agreed to start stopping small boats in the English Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift follows the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to support the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official confirmation.
French police have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both personnel 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 says personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.
Notably, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to disable the engines of the boats.
This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this summer, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left government.
That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a boat.
Currently French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.
Strong winds are currently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking methods to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.
UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.
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