We need a solution but is this the right one?

I wish they did it more often. So long as the police have the back up in case it turns nasty it may well turn the tide, quite literally. Something has to be done to stop the,.

If you watch the clip (in The Times on line) the Police were only up to their knees, but it did the job.

Should be their job I meant to say.

The use of knives in the sort of fracas that’s bound to occur in such a situation is obviously dangerous, but so is the crossing in an overloaded plastic boat. Better to stop it before it gets underway, if it can be done safely.

Such attempts may be discouraged in future if the people operating these “taxi boats” fear direct intervention, actually in the sea, from the French police.

About time some action was taken. 👏👏
The water was shallow, the dinghy was overloaded. Nobody was hurt.
It’s a simple solution to a complex problem. Yes, it might turn violent but French police are used to being faced with angry farmers and various protesters. It’s their job to take the appropriate action, not stand on the beach wringing their hands.

The smugglers aren’t anywhere near the launch. Some are in the uk, some are hundreds/ thousands of miles away.
The person operating the outboard has a free ride for his work
Most of these inflatables are coming into Europe via the Bulgaria/ Turkish border. Because of the corruption on that crossing it’s very very difficult.

Agree with Opal

The boats need stopping before they get into deep water.

Surely then they can apprehend the smugglers?

From the description on BBC news it was definitely the right thing to do The policeman only had water up to his knees so far less dangerous a solution than letting the overloaded boat sail.
The amount of people crossing is beyond ridiculous who in their right mind would put themselves let alone children in such a precarious situation to escape France.

Definitely the right thing to do - if they did it to all of the boats, it would stop them in shallow water before they started into the Channel. It would actually save lives, not put them at risk.

Desperate times, desperate measures.

Of course it isn't the right solution, but this is such a complex issue and people are searching for simple answers. There aren't any. It has to be a combination of initiatives and legislation working together across international communities to prevent this disgusting criminal activity, but I suppose it has to start with small steps- who knows?

The French police intervened as the boat and the people on board were in danger. Children were heard screaming as they were being crushed as the boat lurched from side to side.
All aboard got off safely. It is not usual for police to go into the water but they did to save lives. The boat was unsafe and many would have drowned had they allowed it to go.

Mt61

Really? Hopefully not while they are in it!

Yes, there were people in it, but it was till in very shallow water and they got out.

Millions of children will die as a result of the U.K. and USA cutting the aid budget, and subsequent vaccination programmes.

I think it is one of the meanest things.

Sorry I diverse!

Listening to the report, this is not normal Police practice, as they may not enter the water in pursuit. Apparently the difference today is that the boat was sinking, and the engine was stuttering. It was to save lives.
The report also said that the 'do not enter the water' rule may be changed.
My response does not address your wider question WWM2 of it being a whole world issue, which it is, and which probably won't improve in our future.

Cutting the foreign aid budget will not have helped.
Refusing to accept the inevitability of climate change will not help.

According to news reports they did it as they deemed the people either on it, or trying to get into it were risking life, it was in quite choppy, but fairly shallow water.

Mt61

Really? Hopefully not while they are in it!

Yes, the boat was full. The Police slashed the boat and took the occupants back to the shore. All filmed by the BBC. I can see it getting violent if this is the new way to stop the boats.

Immigration is only going to grow because of climate and unfortunately violence around the world.

Nothing will change until the world gets together to get a grip of the issue, and accept that it is happening, that people need to live in safety, free from starvation and impossible weather conditions.

The attitude at present is too parochial - we need a much bigger overview of the subject.

Really? Hopefully not while they are in it!