Migrants will be exposed to distressing visuals of destroyed dinghies and individuals in distress in frigid waters as a deterrent against attempting the perilous Channel crossing in small boats.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has approved the use of graphic imagery typically not utilized in marketing campaigns, which will be displayed to asylum seekers in France.
An upcoming leaflet showcases a picture of an asylum seeker struggling to remain afloat, accompanied by the caption: “Don’t put your money at risk. Don’t jeopardize your life. Don’t attempt the Channel crossing.”
Another leaflet warns: “Overcrowded boats result in trampling and deaths. Numerous children have lost their lives this way. Boarding a boat could lead to the death of others, including children.”
The Home Secretary is gearing up to introduce extensive reforms to the immigration and asylum system in the following week to decrease incentives for migration to Britain and simplify the process of deporting illegal migrants.
Ms. Mahmood is anticipated to draw inspiration from Denmark’s stringent system, which enforces stricter regulations on family reunification and permits most refugees only temporary stays.
This move comes as the government faces challenges in reducing the number of individuals making the risky Channel journey to Britain in fragile vessels.
As of October 21, a total of 36,734 migrants have arrived in small boats in 2025, marking the second-highest figure since 2022.
Under a ‘one in one out’ pilot scheme agreed upon in July, 94 individuals have been returned to France. However, two migrants who were repatriated under the program made their way back to Britain and had to be re-detained.
The UK is striving to dissuade individuals from embarking on the journey from France by highlighting the hazards of crossing the Channel in overcrowded and often unseaworthy boats.
Since 2019, more than 160 people have lost their lives attempting the crossing.
Criminal smugglers are increasingly cramming more people into fewer boats, resulting in passengers being trampled and crushed.
The average number of passengers per boat has risen to 56 in the year ending June, compared to 51 the previous year.
Speaking on the issue, Border Security Minister Alex Norris emphasized, “Those attempting illegal entry into the UK must face the harsh reality: crossing in a small boat could lead to fatalities for you and your family.
“This government will not tolerate people smugglers promoting these illegal, hazardous journeys through falsehoods and deception.”
Leaflets created by the UK are being distributed to migrants in France as part of a joint campaign with the UK and French governments.
In September, large digital billboards with warnings were installed in northern France, strategically positioned along key routes used by smugglers to access the beaches.