🔗 Share this article French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after British demands France has agreed to start stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, following months of insistence from the UK. This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the President urging him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage. French security forces have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation. French police have infrequently acted to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both personnel and individuals. "It is essential that we implement these methods this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel." Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will start taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting human life. Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the vessels. This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief change towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister left government. This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel. Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats before they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped. Powerful gusts are currently postponing the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the past. The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for comment. Connected Developments Reasons UK can't just return asylum seekers to French territory French government backing away from pledge to stop migrant boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security