🔗 Share this article French authorities to begin stopping small boats in English Channel following British demands France has agreed to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the UK. The change in policy comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the French leader urging him to support the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel. 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 official statements. French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both personnel and individuals. "It is crucial that we implement these methods this period... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel waters." Now, a French naval police representative says officers will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting lives. Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible method to snarl the engines of the boats. This determination to take action at all is a major advancement, coming after a brief change towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister departed from government. That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to slash the sides of a boat. Currently French authorities will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped. Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adjust to evade interception, as they have frequently done in the past. UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for comment. Related Updates Reasons Britain cannot just send back migrants to France French government backing away from pledge to intercept asylum boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security