"French police have rarely intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians. Le Monde reported Sir Keir's letter as reading: "It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel." Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life."
"Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which Le Monde has previously reported could be used to snarl the propellers of the boats. The decision to intervene at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a more aggressive approach this summer, driven by former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, which dropped off when he left government."
French authorities will begin intercepting small boats in the Channel before passengers are picked up, with the maritime police confirming operations aimed at safeguarding human life. Interventions will occur at sea but only prior to boarding, and the use of nets to disable boats has been ruled out. The change follows diplomatic pressure from the UK and a letter urging urgent deployment of deterrent tactics. French policing previously shifted briefly to more aggressive methods this summer but those measures were halted after ministerial changes. Strong winds are delaying the start of interceptions and smugglers are expected to adapt to avoid capture.
Read at www.bbc.com
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