France to begin intercepting small boats in Channel after British demands

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

The change in policy follows the Prime Minister wrote to the French leader asking him to support the plan and stating there currently "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 collected their migrants, according to official statements.

French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both officers and civilians.

"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."

Now, a French maritime police representative states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.

Notably, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential method to disable the engines of the vessels.

The decision to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this summer, which dropped off when the previous government official departed from office.

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

Now French authorities will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.

Powerful gusts are presently postponing 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 past.

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

Connected Updates

• Why UK cannot just send back migrants to France
• France backing away from pledge to stop asylum boats