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

This policy shift comes after the British leader wrote to the French leader asking him to back the initiative and saying there presently "have no effective deterrent" in the Channel.

French maritime police will be allowed to stop the migrant vessels at sea, but only before they've collected their migrants, according to authoritative confirmation.

French police have rarely intervened to prevent the heavily loaded boats leaving the shoreline because it is viewed as excessively high a danger to both personnel and individuals.

"It is crucial that we deploy these tactics this period... We have no effective deterrent in the Channel waters."

Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says personnel will begin taking action at sea, with the aim of protecting human life.

Notably, the official ruled out the use of nets to stop boats, which had earlier been reported as a potential method to snarl the engines of the vessels.

The decision to take action at all is a significant advancement, coming after a brief shift towards a stricter approach this warmer season, which dropped off when the previous government official departed from government.

That was highlighted in the summer month, in the run-up to a meeting between the Prime Minister and French president, when authorities were observed walking into the sea to damage the sides of a vessel.

Currently French authorities will once more be permitted to stop boats before they pick up migrant passengers from the coastal areas of France's north coast, although it's uncertain how the small boats will be stopped.

Strong winds are currently delaying the commencement of interceptions and the people-smuggling gangs will be seeking methods to adjust to avoid detection, as they have frequently done in the past.

The Home Office and the Prime Minister's office have been approached for response.

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