France backing away from pledge to intercept migrant boats.

France is retreating from its earlier pledge to take stronger action at sea to stop small boats crossing the English Channel, several sources have told the BBC.

Political instability in Paris appears to be a major factor behind the shift — a setback for the UK government’s ongoing efforts to curb the crossings. Meanwhile, overcrowded inflatable boats continue to depart almost daily from a shallow canal near Dunkirk’s port.

Martin Hewitt, the UK’s head of border security, has already voiced “frustration” over French delays. Now, multiple French sources confirm that the much-discussed “maritime doctrine” — under which patrol boats would intercept migrant inflatables and tow them back to shore — remains largely symbolic.

“It’s just political talk,” said one figure close to France’s maritime security forces. The Channel’s maritime prefecture told the BBC the proposal was “still under review.”

Former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who once drove a tougher policy and built close ties with the UK, is no longer in office following recent cabinet reshuffles. His departure has left the initiative adrift as France’s government grapples with other crises.

At a Franco-British summit last July, Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to crack down on the so-called “taxi boats” used by smugglers to pick up migrants near the coast. Days before that meeting, French police were filmed slashing a dinghy’s side as it drifted close to shore — an action hailed by the UK government as a “significant moment” in enforcement.

Soon after, an interior ministry insider told the BBC that new rules permitting at-sea interventions would take effect “within days.” But since Retailleau’s exit, no such policy has materialized.

“It’s possible it may never happen,” said Peter Walsh of Oxford’s Migration Observatory.

Despite repeated pledges, migrant departures from France continue to rise. More than 36,700 people had crossed by 21 October — up 30% from last year and close to 2022’s record pace.

Locals near Gravelines say boats now launch even from inland canals. One resident, Jean Deldicque, showed videos of migrants boarding dinghies as police patrol boats circled without intervening. “It’s madness. You have to stop the boats,” he said.

Experts note that the shallow Canal de L’Aa would allow safe intervention by security forces, yet officials remain hesitant. Some waterways have been blocked with ropes or chains, but smugglers quickly adapt.

Legal and moral concerns also weigh heavily. French naval officers fear fatal incidents and possible prosecutions if operations go wrong. “It would be a disaster,” one official warned.

Even milder proposals — such as letting police wade further into the surf to stop boats — appear to have been dropped. Current law permits officers to act only in shallow waters when lives are in immediate danger.

French police unions confirm the plans have stalled. “We considered it too dangerous,” said Jean-Pierre Cloez, a union spokesman. “The rules haven’t changed — and we still lack the equipment, training, and manpower to do more.”