French authorities will start stopping small boats in English Channel following British demands

French officials have consented to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.

The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to back the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel.

French security forces will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.

French authorities have infrequently acted to prevent the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both personnel and civilians.

"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."

Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states officers will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.

Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential technique to snarl the propellers of the boats.

The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief change towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which dropped off when the previous government official left government.

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

Now French officials will again be allowed to stop boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain 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 evade interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.

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

Connected Developments

• Reasons Britain cannot just send back migrants to French territory
• French government backing away from commitment to stop migrant boats