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

French officials have consented to start intercepting small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK.

The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to support the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.

French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative statements.

French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.

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

Now, a French naval police spokesperson says personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.

Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to disable the engines of the boats.

The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, following a short-lived shift towards a stricter strategy this summer, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister left government.

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

Now French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.

Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past.

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

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