Migrants will be exposed to distressing visuals of damaged dinghies and individuals in distress in freezing waters to dissuade them from attempting the perilous Channel crossing in small boats.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has approved the use of graphic images not typically seen in advertising campaigns, which will be displayed to asylum seekers in France.
A newly designed leaflet includes a picture of an asylum seeker struggling to stay afloat, accompanied by the message: “Don’t risk your life. Don’t waste your money. Don’t attempt the Channel crossing.”
Another leaflet warns: “Overcrowded boats lead to people being trampled and crushed to death. Many children have lost their lives this way. By boarding a boat, you could inadvertently cause harm to someone else, even a child.”
The Home Secretary is gearing up to introduce comprehensive changes to the immigration and asylum system next week, aiming to decrease incentives for migration to the UK and streamline the process of deporting illegal migrants.
Ms. Mahmood is anticipated to draw inspiration from Denmark’s stringent system, which enforces stricter regulations on family reunions and permits most refugees to stay temporarily only.
The government is facing a challenging task in reducing the number of individuals undertaking the dangerous Channel crossing to Britain in flimsy vessels.
As of October 21, 2025, 36,734 migrants have arrived in small boats, marking the second-highest figure after 2022.
Although 94 individuals have been sent back to France under a ‘one in one out’ pilot scheme agreed upon in July, two migrants who were returned under the program managed to re-enter Britain and were subsequently detained again.
Efforts are being made to discourage people from embarking on the journey from France by highlighting the risks of crossing the Channel in overcrowded and often unseaworthy crafts.
Since 2019, over 160 people have tragically lost their lives while attempting the crossing.
Unscrupulous people smugglers are increasingly cramming more individuals into fewer boats, resulting in passengers being crushed and trampled on.
The average number of passengers per boat rose to 56 in the year leading up to June, up from 51 the previous year.
Border Security Minister Alex Norris emphasized, “Those seeking illegal entry into the UK must face the harsh reality: attempting to cross in a small boat could result in the loss of your life and your family’s lives.”
“This government will not tolerate people smugglers promoting these illegal and perilous journeys through falsehoods and deceit.”
Leaflets produced 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 routes frequently used by smugglers to access the beaches.
