France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel after months of pressure from the UK. The shift follows a letter from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to President Emmanuel Macron warning that there is currently “no effective deterrent” in the Channel.
French maritime police will now be permitted to stop boats at sea, but only before they pick up passengers. This marks a significant change, as police have rarely intervened previously due to safety risks for both officers and migrants.
Although officers will intervene at sea, they will not use nets to snag propellers, a tactic previously reported as possible. The move comes amid ongoing challenges, including strong winds and evolving tactics among people-smuggling gangs.