France to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel following UK pressure

France has agreed to start intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom.

This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the President urging him to back the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.

French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.

French police have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a risk to both personnel and civilians.

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

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

Notably, the spokesperson excluded the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a potential technique to snarl the propellers of the boats.

The decision to intervene at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official left office.

That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were observed wading into the sea to slash the hulls of a boat.

Currently French authorities will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.

Strong winds are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past.

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

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