French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel after UK pressure

French officials have consented to start intercepting small boats in the English Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.

The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to support the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.

French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.

French authorities have rarely acted to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and individuals.

"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective prevention in the Channel."

Currently, a French maritime police spokesperson states officers will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding lives.

Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible technique to disable the engines of the vessels.

This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, following a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.

That was highlighted in July, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.

Now French authorities will again be permitted to stop 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 prevented.

Strong winds are currently delaying the start of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.

UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for response.