France pauses Channel boat interceptions due to safety, legal, and political issues, delaying UK agreement.

France has paused its planned interception of small boats in the English Channel, halting a key pledge made during a July summit with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite earlier actions like cutting dinghies in shallow waters, officials cite safety risks, legal concerns, and political instability—including the replacement of former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau—as reasons for the delay. The UK expresses frustration, warning smugglers may exploit the lull, while migration numbers continue rising, surpassing 2024 totals. No new maritime tactics have been implemented, and French forces remain restricted to rescue operations. The future of the interventionist strategy remains uncertain.