French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after British demands

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

This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to support the plan and saying there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.

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

French authorities have rarely intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both personnel and individuals.

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

Currently, a French naval police spokesperson says officers will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.

Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the boats.

The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister departed from office.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel.

Currently French officials will again be allowed to stop boats before they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of northern France, although it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.

Strong winds are currently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.

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

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