In a significant policy shift, French authorities are preparing to launch maritime operations to intercept and stop migrant vessels before they can reach UK waters. This new strategy comes after sustained pressure from the UK Government, including a personal letter from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to French President Emmanuel Macron.
A New Tactical Approach to Channel Crossings
The planned operations, confirmed in an official document signed by four French prefectures and seen by the newspaper Le Monde, mark a departure from previous tactics. For the first time, French police will actively target so-called 'taxi boats' that wait offshore to pick up migrants.
This method had developed because of a previous reluctance by French police to intervene once dinghies had been launched into the water. The new operations will start at sea and are then expected to be extended to cover inland waters, creating a more comprehensive barrier to crossings.
Diplomatic Pressure Yields Results
The policy change follows direct diplomatic engagement from the highest levels of the UK government. Sir Keir Starmer reportedly wrote to President Macron, urging concrete action to tackle the small boat crossings and emphasising the critical need for an effective deterrent.
A UK government spokesperson confirmed the ongoing close collaboration with French partners, stating that they are continuously working together to address the issue of illegal migration and to review tactics for maritime intervention. The move is seen as a direct response to a recent record day for small boat arrivals.
Implications for the Channel Crisis
This new French intervention strategy represents one of the most substantial collaborative efforts between the two nations to combat the dangerous Channel crossings. By focusing on the 'taxi boats' that facilitate the final leg of the journey, authorities aim to disrupt the business model of the people smugglers operating along the French coast.
The success of these planned interceptions at sea will be closely watched by both governments as they seek to reduce the number of migrants risking the perilous journey across the busy shipping lane.
