France to begin stopping migrant vessels in Channel following British demands

France has agreed to begin intercepting small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom.

The change in policy comes after the British leader wrote to the French leader urging him to back the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective preventive measure" in the maritime passage.

French security forces have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their passengers, according to official confirmation.

French authorities have infrequently intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is considered too great a risk to both officers and civilians.

"It is essential that we implement these tactics this period... We have no effective prevention in the Channel."

Now, a French maritime police representative says personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.

Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to disable the engines of the boats.

The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous Interior Minister departed from government.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.

Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the beaches of northern France, however it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented.

Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past.

UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for comment.