France to begin intercepting small boats in Channel after British demands
France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following months of pressure from the UK.
The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.
French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.
French police have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.
"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."
Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will start intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.
Notably, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the vessels.
The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, following a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which dropped off when the previous government official left government.
This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.
Currently French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.
Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for methods to adjust to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the past.
The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.
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