France will start intercepting migrant vessels in Channel after British demands

France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the UK.

The change in policy comes after 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 intercept the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their migrants, according to authoritative statements.

French authorities have rarely intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as too great a risk to both officers and civilians.

"It is crucial that we deploy these methods this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."

Now, a French maritime police spokesperson states personnel will start intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life.

Significantly, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a possible technique to snarl the propellers of the boats.

The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, following a short-lived change towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former government official left office.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when French police were witnessed wading into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.

Now French officials will once more be allowed to stop boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of northern France, however it's uncertain how the vessels 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 interception, as they have done so often in the past.

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