French authorities to begin stopping small boats in Channel after UK pressure

France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the English Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.

The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.

French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.

French authorities have rarely intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both officers and civilians.

"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."

Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.

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

This determination to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official left government.

This was demonstrated in July, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.

Now French officials will once more be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect migrant individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.

Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for methods to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.

UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.

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