French authorities will start intercepting small boats in English Channel following UK pressure

France has agreed to begin stopping migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of pressure from the UK.

This policy shift comes after the British leader wrote to the President urging him to support the initiative and saying there currently "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 migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.

French police have rarely intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both officers and civilians.

"It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."

Currently, a French maritime police representative says officers will start intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting lives.

Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential method to disable the engines of the boats.

The decision to intervene at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from office.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.

Now French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped.

Strong winds are presently postponing the start of intervention operations and the people-smuggling networks will be seeking ways to adjust to evade interception, as they have done so often in the past.

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

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