French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel following British demands

France has agreed to start stopping small boats in the English Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.

The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the initiative and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.

French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements.

French police have rarely intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and individuals.

"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this period... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."

Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson states officers will start taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.

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

This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which ceased when the former Interior Minister departed from office.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.

Now French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats before they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.

Strong winds are currently delaying the start of intervention operations and the human trafficking networks will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.

UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.

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