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French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following an extended period of pressure from the United Kingdom.

The change in policy follows the Prime Minister wrote to the French leader asking him to support the plan and saying there presently "lack any effective deterrent" in the maritime passage.

French maritime police will be allowed to intercept the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.

French authorities have rarely intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the shoreline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both personnel and individuals.

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

Now, a French naval police spokesperson states officers will begin taking action at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.

Significantly, the official excluded the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential technique to snarl the propellers of the boats.

The decision to intervene at all is a major step forward, following a brief shift towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which ceased when the former Interior Minister left office.

That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a summit between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed wading into the sea to slash the sides of a vessel.

Currently French officials will once more be allowed to intercept boats prior to they collect migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be prevented.

Strong winds are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be looking for methods to adapt to evade detection, as they have frequently done in the past.

The Home Office and Downing Street have been approached for response.

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