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French officials have consented to begin intercepting migrant vessels in the English Channel, after an extended period of insistence from the UK.

The change in policy comes after the British leader sent a letter to the French leader asking him to support the plan and saying there currently "have no effective preventive measure" in the Channel.

French maritime police have been authorized to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but exclusively prior to they've collected their migrants, according to official statements.

French police have infrequently intervened to stop the overcrowded boats departing from the coastline because it is considered too great a risk to both personnel and civilians.

"It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel."

Now, a French naval police representative says personnel will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding lives.

Significantly, the spokesperson ruled out the use of entanglement devices to stop boats, which had previously been reported as a possible technique to snarl the propellers of the vessels.

This determination to take action at all is a major step forward, coming after a brief change towards a stricter strategy this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official left office.

This was demonstrated in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the Prime Minister and President, when authorities were observed wading into the sea to damage the hulls of a boat.

Currently French officials will once more be permitted to intercept boats prior to they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of northern France, however it's not clear how the small boats will be stopped.

Strong winds are presently postponing the start of intervention operations and the people-smuggling networks will be looking for methods to adapt to avoid interception, as they have done so often in the past.

The Home Office and Downing Street have been contacted for comment.

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