đź”— Share this article France will start stopping migrant vessels in English Channel after British demands France has agreed to begin stopping migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of insistence from the United Kingdom. This policy shift follows the Prime Minister wrote to the President asking him to support the plan and stating there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage. French security forces will be allowed to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to official statements. French authorities have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats leaving the coastline because it is viewed as excessively high a risk to both personnel and individuals. "It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel." Currently, a French maritime police representative says officers will start taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life. Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been suggested as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the boats. The decision to take action at all is a major advancement, following a brief shift towards a stricter approach this summer, which ceased when the previous government official departed from office. That was highlighted in July, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when French police were observed wading into the sea to slash the hulls of a vessel. Now French officials will again be allowed to intercept boats before they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's not clear how the vessels will be prevented. Strong winds are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the previous instances. The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for response. Connected Updates Reasons Britain can't just return migrants to French territory French government withdrawing from commitment to stop asylum boats UK immigration Channel crossings Border security