France is backing away from a recent commitment to intervene more forcefully at sea to stop small boats from crossing the English Channel, according to multiple sources contacted by the BBC. There is evidence that France's current political turmoil is partly to blame, but it will come as a blow to the UK government's attempts to tackle the issue.
In the meantime, dangerously overcrowded inflatable boats continue to leave the coast on almost a daily basis from a shallow tidal canal near the port of Dunkirk. While the man in charge of border security in the UK, Martin Hewitt, has already expressed frustration at French delays, the BBC has now heard from a number of sources in France that promises of a new maritime doctrine - which would see patrol boats attempt to intercept inflatable boats and pull them back to shore – are hollow.
It's just a political stunt. It's much blah-blah, said one figure closely linked to French maritime security. The maritime prefecture for the Channel told the BBC that the new doctrine on taxi boats was still being studied.
Former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau was widely credited, not least in the UK, with driving a more aggressive approach in the Channel. However, since his departure and a series of chaotic government reshuffles, attention has shifted away from this issue.
Meanwhile, migrant boats leave France not just from the beaches but also from inland canals, aggravating the situation further. The local population is increasingly voicing concerns, as sightings of boats leaving in broad daylight become more frequent.
The French navy appears reluctant to take action due to fears of risking lives and facing potential legal ramifications. Current laws permit intervention only when imminent danger is evident, complicating efforts to stop the ongoing crossings. Volunteers along the coast express frustration with the ongoing policies, believing that stricter enforcement against smuggling would save lives.
Overall, the political instability in France poses significant challenges not just for French authorities but also for the UK, as the country continues to grapple with the migrant crisis.
In the meantime, dangerously overcrowded inflatable boats continue to leave the coast on almost a daily basis from a shallow tidal canal near the port of Dunkirk. While the man in charge of border security in the UK, Martin Hewitt, has already expressed frustration at French delays, the BBC has now heard from a number of sources in France that promises of a new maritime doctrine - which would see patrol boats attempt to intercept inflatable boats and pull them back to shore – are hollow.
It's just a political stunt. It's much blah-blah, said one figure closely linked to French maritime security. The maritime prefecture for the Channel told the BBC that the new doctrine on taxi boats was still being studied.
Former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau was widely credited, not least in the UK, with driving a more aggressive approach in the Channel. However, since his departure and a series of chaotic government reshuffles, attention has shifted away from this issue.
Meanwhile, migrant boats leave France not just from the beaches but also from inland canals, aggravating the situation further. The local population is increasingly voicing concerns, as sightings of boats leaving in broad daylight become more frequent.
The French navy appears reluctant to take action due to fears of risking lives and facing potential legal ramifications. Current laws permit intervention only when imminent danger is evident, complicating efforts to stop the ongoing crossings. Volunteers along the coast express frustration with the ongoing policies, believing that stricter enforcement against smuggling would save lives.
Overall, the political instability in France poses significant challenges not just for French authorities but also for the UK, as the country continues to grapple with the migrant crisis.
