French authorities to begin stopping small boats in Channel after British demands

French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.

The change in policy follows the British leader wrote to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.

French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements.

French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both officers and individuals.

"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."

Now, a French naval police representative says officers will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.

Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to disable the propellers of the vessels.

The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which dropped off when the former government official left government.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.

Currently French officials will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.

Powerful gusts are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.

UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.

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