🔗 Share this article French authorities to begin stopping small boats in English Channel following UK pressure French officials have consented to begin stopping small boats in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom. This policy shift comes after the Prime Minister sent a letter to the French leader urging him to support the initiative and stating there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the maritime passage. French maritime police have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to official statements. French police have infrequently intervened to stop the heavily loaded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as too great a danger to both officers and individuals. "It is crucial that we implement these methods this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel." Currently, a French naval police spokesperson says personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives. Notably, the official excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a possible method to snarl the engines of the boats. The decision to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a short-lived shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the former government official left office. That was highlighted in the summer month, preceding a summit between the UK leader and French president, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a boat. Now French officials will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, although it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped. Powerful gusts are presently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking gangs will be seeking ways to adapt to avoid detection, as they have done so often in the past. The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment. Related Updates Why Britain cannot just send back migrants to French territory French government withdrawing from commitment to stop migrant boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security