🔗 Share this article French authorities will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after British demands French officials have consented to start intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after months of pressure from the United Kingdom. This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to support the initiative and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the Channel. French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to official statements. French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a risk to both officers and individuals. "It is essential that we deploy these methods this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel." Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson states officers will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life. Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential method to disable the propellers of the boats. This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief change towards a more aggressive strategy this summer, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister departed from office. This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat. Currently French officials will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they pick up migrant individuals from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped. Powerful gusts are presently postponing the commencement of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past. UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response. Related Developments Why Britain cannot just send back asylum seekers to France France withdrawing from commitment to stop migrant boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security