In a bid to dissuade migrants from attempting the perilous Channel crossing in small boats, shocking visuals of torn dinghies and individuals struggling in frigid waters will be displayed.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has approved the use of graphic images not typically seen in advertising campaigns, which will be presented to asylum seekers in France.
Included in a new leaflet is a picture of an asylum seeker struggling to stay afloat, accompanied by the message: “Don’t waste your money. Don’t risk your life. Don’t cross the Channel.”
Another leaflet warns about the dangers of overcrowded boats, stating: “People are trampled and crushed to death in these boats. Many children have perished this way. Boarding a boat could result in causing harm to others, even children.”
The Home Secretary is gearing up to unveil extensive changes to the immigration and asylum system next week, aiming to decrease incentives for coming to the UK and streamline the process of deporting illegal migrants.
Ms. Mahmood is anticipated to draw inspiration from Denmark’s strict system, which imposes stringent regulations on family reunification and permits most refugees only temporary stays.
This initiative comes as the government faces challenges in reducing the number of individuals undertaking the hazardous Channel journey to the UK in flimsy vessels.
As of October 21, 2025, 36,734 migrants have arrived in small boats, marking the second-highest count since 2022.
Under a ‘one in one out’ pilot scheme agreed upon in July, 94 individuals have been sent back to France. However, two migrants subject to this scheme reentered the UK and had to be re-detained.
Efforts to discourage individuals from making the France-UK journey include alerts about the perils of crossing the Channel in overcrowded and unsafe vessels.
Since 2019, over 160 people have lost their lives attempting the crossing.
Unscrupulous people smugglers are increasingly packing more individuals into fewer boats, resulting in passengers being trampled and crushed.
The average number of passengers per boat has risen to 56 in the year up to June, compared to 51 the previous year.
Speaking on the matter, Border Security Minister Alex Norris emphasized the importance of presenting the harsh reality to