France will start stopping migrant vessels in English Channel following UK pressure

French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.

This policy shift comes after the British leader wrote to the President urging him to support the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.

French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.

French police have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a risk to both officers and civilians.

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

Currently, a French naval police representative says officers will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.

Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to disable the engines of the boats.

This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, following a short-lived change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official departed from office.

This was demonstrated in July, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.

Now French authorities will again be allowed to intercept boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.

Strong winds are currently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.

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

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Jacob Rasmussen
Jacob Rasmussen

Aria Sterling is a luxury travel expert and lifestyle curator with over a decade of experience exploring exclusive destinations worldwide.