French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel following UK pressure

France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the English Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.

This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.

French maritime police have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.

French police have rarely acted to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.

"It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."

Now, a French naval police spokesperson says personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.

Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible method to disable the propellers of the vessels.

This determination to intervene at all is a major step forward, coming after a short-lived change towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister departed from office.

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

Currently French authorities will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.

Strong winds are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances.

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

Related Updates

• Why Britain cannot just return migrants to France
• France backing away from commitment to stop migrant boats