French authorities will start intercepting small boats in English Channel after British demands

France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.

This policy shift follows the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.

French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.

French police have rarely acted to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals.

"It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters."

Now, a French maritime police spokesperson 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 suggested as a potential method to disable the propellers of the vessels.

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 government official left office.

That was highlighted in July, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.

Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, although it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.

Powerful gusts are currently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adapt to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances.

UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for response.

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