🔗 Share this article French authorities will start intercepting small boats in English Channel following UK pressure French officials have consented to start stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, after months of pressure from the UK. The change in policy follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to back the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage. French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements. French authorities have infrequently acted to prevent the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both officers and civilians. "It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel." Currently, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives. Significantly, the official ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible technique to snarl the engines of the vessels. This determination to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a short-lived change towards a stricter approach this summer, which dropped off when the former Interior Minister left government. That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to damage the sides of a boat. Currently French officials will again 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 small boats will be stopped. Strong winds are presently delaying the start of intervention operations and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking ways to adjust to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the previous instances. The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment. Related Updates Reasons Britain cannot just return migrants to French territory France backing away from commitment to stop migrant boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security