French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in Channel after UK pressure

French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, after months of pressure from the United Kingdom.

The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to back the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.

French security forces will be allowed to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements.

French police have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.

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

Now, a French maritime police representative states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.

Significantly, the official excluded the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to disable the propellers of the boats.

The decision to intervene at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter approach this summer, 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 wading into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.

Now French officials will again be permitted to stop boats prior to they collect migrant individuals from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.

Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for methods to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.

The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.

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