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France’s recent commitment to stepping up interventions at sea to prevent small boats from crossing the English Channel seems to be wavering, with multiple sources indicating a change in approach, according to information gathered by the BBC. The political turmoil in France has been cited as a factor contributing to this shift, dealing a blow to efforts by the UK government to address the issue.
The ongoing situation has led to overflowing inflatable boats departing from a shallow tidal canal near Dunkirk regularly. While the head of border security in the UK, Martin Hewitt, has expressed frustrations over delays from the French side, reports from sources within France suggest that promises of a new “maritime doctrine” aimed at intercepting inflatable boats and returning them to shore may not be realized, with one source calling it a mere political show.
Former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who had been spearheading a more aggressive approach in the Channel, has since left office after being praised for his efforts, particularly following a summit with President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Plans to target the “taxi boats” used by smugglers to pick up migrants close to the shore were discussed, but actual intervention from French authorities at sea is now in doubt, with concerns over safety and potential legal repercussions playing a role in the decision-making process
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