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

The change in policy follows the British leader sent a letter to the President urging him to support the plan and saying there currently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.

French maritime police have been authorized to stop the small boats at sea, but exclusively prior to they've picked up their passengers, according to authoritative confirmation.

French authorities have rarely acted to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a danger to both officers and individuals.

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

Now, a French naval police spokesperson says officers will start taking action at sea, with the objective of protecting lives.

Significantly, the spokesperson excluded the use of nets to intercept boats, which had previously been suggested as a possible method to snarl the engines of the vessels.

This determination to intervene at all is a significant step forward, following a brief shift towards a more aggressive strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official departed from office.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the UK leader and President, when French police were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a boat.

Now French authorities will again be allowed to stop boats prior to they collect asylum-seeking individuals from the beaches of northern France, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be prevented.

Powerful gusts are presently postponing the start of interceptions and the human trafficking networks will be seeking methods to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.

The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been contacted for comment.

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