France is set to authorise new interventions to stop small boats at sea before they pick up migrants attempting to reach the UK, following pressure from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The plans target empty 'taxi boats' or large dinghies before they collect passengers from French beaches.
According to Le Monde, Starmer wrote to President Emmanuel Macron this week urging him to back the plan, stating there is 'no effective deterrent' in the Channel. The move comes as 39,292 people have crossed the English Channel so far this year, a politically damaging issue for Starmer's government.
French security forces will conduct 'control and intervention operations' at sea, but will move before passengers board to avoid endangering lives. However, an NGO working with refugees has warned it could launch a legal challenge, arguing the tactic may force desperate people into more dangerous journeys.
In July, French police intervened near beaches, including puncturing a boat in shallow water, but operations halted in early August after objections from police unions. A new framework for interventions was established on 25 November, though it remains unclear if unions will support the tactic.
The UK has made funding for border security contingent on stronger French maritime presence. Care4Calais chief executive Steve Smith said: 'This is a dangerous moment, that will cost more lives. The only way to stop Channel crossings is to create safe routes for people to claim asylum in the UK.'
A No 10 spokesperson declined to comment on leaked correspondence but noted the prime minister and President Macron speak regularly on the issue.
