🔗 Share this article French authorities to begin stopping migrant vessels in English Channel following UK pressure French officials have consented to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, after months of pressure from the UK. The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and stating there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel. French security forces have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative statements. French police have rarely acted to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both personnel and individuals. "It is crucial that we deploy these tactics this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters." Currently, a French naval police spokesperson says officers will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives. Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the vessels. The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left government. This was demonstrated in July, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat. Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped. Strong winds are currently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past. UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response. Connected Updates Why Britain cannot just return migrants to France France withdrawing from commitment to stop asylum boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security