French authorities will start intercepting small boats in Channel after UK pressure

France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.

The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the President urging him to back the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.

French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.

French authorities have rarely acted to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.

"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."

Now, a French maritime police representative states officers will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.

Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to snarl the propellers of the boats.

The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when French police were witnessed wading into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.

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

Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for methods to adapt to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.

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

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