French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel following UK pressure

France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom.

This policy shift comes after the British leader wrote to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.

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 authoritative statements.

French authorities have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both officers and civilians.

"It is essential that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."

Now, a French maritime police representative states officers will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.

Notably, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to snarl the propellers of the boats.

The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister left government.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.

Now French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats before they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.

Powerful gusts are currently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.

The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.

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John Carr
John Carr

A lifelong gamer and writer specializing in retro gaming history and modern indie titles, sharing insights and reviews.