France to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel following UK pressure

French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom.

This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to back the initiative and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.

French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative statements.

French authorities have infrequently acted 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 deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."

Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.

Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible method to snarl the engines of the vessels.

The decision to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a short-lived change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left government.

That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.

Now French authorities will once more 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 prevented.

Powerful gusts are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.

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

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