French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel following British demands

France has agreed to start intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after months of insistence from the UK.

This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to back the initiative and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.

French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements.

French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and civilians.

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

Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.

Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to snarl the engines of the boats.

The decision to intervene at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous government official left government.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.

Now French officials will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.

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

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

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