French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after UK pressure

France has agreed to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the UK.

This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.

French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation.

French police have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.

"It is crucial that we implement these methods this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel."

Now, a French naval police representative states officers will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.

Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the vessels.

The decision to take action at all is a significant advancement, following a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official left office.

That was highlighted in July, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.

Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats before they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of northern France, although it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.

Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past.

UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response.

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