🔗 Share this article French authorities to begin intercepting small boats in English Channel after British demands France has agreed to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom. This policy shift comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to back the plan and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel. French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their passengers, according to official statements. French police have rarely intervened to prevent the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both officers and civilians. "It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters." Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives. Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential method to snarl the engines of the vessels. The decision to intervene at all is a major advancement, coming after a short-lived change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister departed from office. This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat. Now French officials will again be allowed to stop boats before they pick up asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of northern France, however it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented. Strong winds are presently delaying the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the past. UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been approached for comment. Related Developments Why UK can't just return asylum seekers to France French government backing away from pledge to intercept migrant boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security