French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel after British demands

French officials have consented to begin stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom.

The change in policy comes after 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 maritime passage.

French security forces have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.

French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both officers and individuals.

"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this period... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel waters."

Now, a French maritime police representative says officers will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting lives.

Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible technique to disable the engines of the boats.

This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this summer, which dropped off when the former government official departed from government.

That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.

Currently French officials will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.

Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adapt to evade detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances.

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