🔗 Share this article France to begin stopping small boats in English Channel following UK pressure French officials have consented to start intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the UK. The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the initiative and stating there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage. French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to official confirmation. French police have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both personnel and individuals. "It is essential that we deploy these tactics this period... 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 protecting human life. Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential method to disable the engines of the boats. This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official left office. This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and President, when French police were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a boat. Currently French officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped. Strong winds are currently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the previous instances. UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for comment. Related Updates Reasons UK can't just send back migrants to French territory France withdrawing from pledge to stop asylum boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security