French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in Channel following UK pressure
France has agreed to start stopping small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.
The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the initiative and saying there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French security forces will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.
French police have rarely intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."
Currently, a French naval police representative says personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.
Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible technique to disable the propellers of the boats.
The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official left government.
That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Now French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be looking for methods to adapt to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for response.
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