🔗 Share this article French authorities to begin intercepting migrant vessels in English Channel following British demands French officials have consented to start intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK. The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President urging him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage. French maritime police have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation. French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both officers and civilians. "It is essential that we implement these methods this period... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel waters." Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will start intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting lives. Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been reported as a potential method to disable the propellers of the boats. The decision to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former government official left office. That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat. Now French officials will again be permitted to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant individuals from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped. Strong winds are currently postponing the start of intervention operations and the people-smuggling 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 UK can't just return asylum seekers to France France withdrawing from pledge to stop migrant boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security