French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in Channel following UK pressure

French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels 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 urging him to support the plan and stating there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.

French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.

French police have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both officers and civilians.

"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."

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

Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential technique to disable the propellers of the boats.

This determination to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister departed from government.

That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.

Now French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.

Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for methods to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.

The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.

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