France to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands

French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, after months of pressure from the UK.

This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and stating there currently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.

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

French authorities have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and individuals.

"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."

Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson states officers will start taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.

Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential technique to snarl the propellers of the vessels.

This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister left government.

This was demonstrated in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.

Now French authorities will again be allowed to intercept boats before they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.

Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past.

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

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