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

French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the UK.

This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to back the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.

French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.

French authorities have rarely acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a risk to both officers and individuals.

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

Currently, a French naval police representative states personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.

Notably, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the vessels.

The decision to intervene at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which ceased when the previous government official departed from office.

That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.

Currently French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.

Strong winds are currently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adapt to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.

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

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