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 an almost 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 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 with pushing for a more aggressive approach in the Channel. His departure has created uncertainty about France's maritime strategy.
Meanwhile, the chaos among French political ranks is reflected in ongoing migrant boat departures, with some witnessing boatloads leaving even during calm weather.
A Marine expert emphasized the duties of French security forces—while asserting their awareness of the dangers involved in a mission to stop overcrowded migrant boats.
Many migrant rescuers and community activists express a strong sentiment that if existing laws against unsafe maritime practices were enforced, this could significantly reduce the perilous crossings occurring presently.
