🔗 Share this article French authorities will start stopping migrant vessels in English Channel following UK pressure French officials have consented to begin stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of pressure from the United Kingdom. This policy shift follows the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President asking him to back the initiative and stating there currently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage. French security forces have been authorized to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative statements. French police have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a danger to both officers and individuals. "It is essential that we deploy these methods this month... We have no effective prevention in the Channel waters." Currently, a French maritime police representative states officers will start intervening at sea, with the objective of protecting human life. Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to snarl the engines of the boats. The decision to take action at all is a significant step forward, coming after a brief shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the previous Interior Minister left government. That was highlighted in July, preceding a summit between the UK leader and President, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to slash the hulls of a boat. Currently French officials will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they pick up asylum-seeking passengers from the beaches of northern France, however it's not clear how the vessels will be stopped. Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be looking for ways to adjust to avoid interception, as they have frequently done in the past. UK immigration authorities and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment. Related Updates Reasons UK can't just send back asylum seekers to French territory French government backing away from commitment to intercept asylum boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security