France will start intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure

French officials have consented to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.

The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to back the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.

French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their passengers, according to official statements.

French authorities have infrequently acted to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.

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

Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting lives.

Notably, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible technique to disable the propellers of the vessels.

The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter approach this summer, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left government.

That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when French police were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.

Currently French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.

Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking methods to adjust to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.

UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.

Connected Developments

• Why Britain can't just send back asylum seekers to French territory
• France withdrawing from commitment to stop migrant boats