French authorities will start intercepting small boats in English Channel after British demands

French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.

This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.

French maritime police have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative statements.

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

"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel."

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

Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to disable the engines of the vessels.

This determination to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official departed from office.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to slash the hulls of a boat.

Currently French authorities will once more be permitted to intercept boats before they collect asylum-seeking passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the small boats will be prevented.

Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.

The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for comment.

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