France is preparing to intercept migrant boats at sea for the first time, according to sources quoted by The Telegraph, in a significant shift ahead of a Franco-British summit in July.
French interior ministry officials reportedly said that new rules will allow officers to stop vessels within 300 metres of the coast. The move comes after growing UK pressure and a record surge in Channel crossings.
The strategy includes deploying six new naval patrol vessels, including the Rozel, a 46-metre boat capable of carrying 20 gendarmes. Until now, France has refused to intervene once boats left the shore, citing maritime law.
President Emmanuel Macron aims to finalise the agreement during his July 8 state visit to London. The new rules will be designed to comply with the UN’s Montego Bay Convention.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had demanded urgent action after 1,195 migrants crossed the Channel in a single day last weekend. Despite a £480 million Anglo-French deal agreed in 2022, fewer than 40% of boats have been intercepted this year.
French officers are reportedly bracing for violent resistance after two gendarmes were injured last Saturday.
