France will start stopping migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure
French officials have consented to begin stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.
This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.
French maritime police have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to official confirmation.
French police have rarely intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians.
"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."
Now, a French maritime police representative states officers will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible technique to snarl the engines of the vessels.
The decision to intervene at all is a significant advancement, following a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which ceased when the former Interior Minister departed from office.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.
Now French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.
Strong winds are presently postponing the start of intervention operations and the human trafficking networks will be looking for ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for response.
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