🔗 Share this article French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel following British demands France has agreed to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom. The change in policy comes after the British leader wrote to the President asking him to support the plan and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage. French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to official statements. French authorities have infrequently acted to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians. "It is crucial that we implement these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters." Currently, a French maritime police representative states officers will begin intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life. Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential technique to snarl the propellers of the boats. The decision to intervene at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister left government. This was demonstrated in July, in the run-up to a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat. Now French authorities will again be permitted to stop boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, although it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented. Powerful gusts are currently postponing the start of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past. The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response. Related Developments Why UK can't just send back asylum seekers to France France backing away from pledge to intercept migrant boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security