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French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the Channel, following months of pressure from the UK.

This policy shift follows the British leader sent a letter to the President asking him to back the plan and saying there presently "lack any effective preventive measure" in the Channel.

French maritime police 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 acted to stop the heavily loaded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered excessively high a risk to both personnel and individuals.

"It is essential that we implement these tactics this month... We have zero effective deterrent in the Channel waters."

Now, a French naval police representative states personnel will begin intervening at sea, with the objective of safeguarding human life.

Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which had earlier been suggested as a potential method to snarl the propellers of the vessels.

The decision to intervene at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter approach this summer, which dropped off when the former government official left office.

This was demonstrated in July, preceding a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were witnessed walking into the sea to damage the hulls of a vessel.

Now French authorities will once more be allowed to intercept boats before they collect migrant passengers from the beaches of France's north coast, however it's uncertain how the vessels will be stopped.

Strong winds are currently delaying the start of intervention operations and the human trafficking gangs will be looking for ways to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.

UK immigration authorities and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.

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