🔗 Share this article French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel following British demands French officials have consented to start intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after months of insistence from the UK. This policy shift follows the Prime Minister wrote to the French leader urging him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage. French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their passengers, according to official confirmation. French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered too great a danger to both personnel and civilians. "It is crucial that we implement these methods this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel." Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life. Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible method to disable the engines of the vessels. This determination to take action at all is a significant advancement, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which ceased when the former government official departed from office. This was demonstrated in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat. Currently French authorities will once more be allowed to stop boats before they collect migrant individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented. Strong winds are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the previous instances. The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response. Connected Updates Why UK cannot just send back migrants to French territory France backing away from commitment to stop migrant boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security