France backing away from pledge to intercept migrant boats, sources tell BBC

France is backing away from its commitment to intercept migrant boats crossing the English Channel, according to multiple sources. The country's current political turmoil is partly to blame for this shift. France had promised a new "maritime doctrine" that would see patrol boats attempt to intercept inflatable boats and pull them back to shore, but promises of such measures are now considered hollow. This development comes as dangerously overcrowded inflatable boats continue to leave the French coast on an almost daily basis, with some sources estimating four leaving in one day. The UK government had been relying on France's increased intervention to tackle the issue. The lack of action from France is a blow to the UK's efforts to address the problem.

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