France finally agrees to intercept migrant boats at sea - months after deal to stop crossings agreed
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New French patrol boats to address migrant crossings across English Channel
- France has agreed to develop a plan to stop small boats at sea by the summer, following criticism of French authorities for allegedly allowing people smugglers to operate like a 'taxi' service.
- The French government is reportedly expanding its Navy with new patrol boats to intercept migrant boats before they reach the UK, aiming to have the strategy ready before President Macron's visit to London on July 8.
- The decision follows a surge in crossings, with over 1,000 people crossing the English Channel on Saturday, and reports of French police observing migrants boarding boats.
- Defence Secretary John Healey criticised France's inaction, stating Britain has 'lost control of its borders,' while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper urged France to intercept migrant boats at sea immediately.
- A French interior ministry source indicated a desire to change intervention protocols to allow operations in shallow waters, up to 300 metres from the coast, to intercept 'taxi boats,' with the goal of having 'shared guidelines' ready for the July summit; the UK has a £480m deal with France to prevent Channel crossings.