Home Office posters in France to warn asylum seekers of risks

Asylum seekers in northern France who hope to reach the UK in small boats will be targeted with Home Office-endorsed posters and leaflets telling them that they are at risk of being returned under the one in, one out deal.

- Rajeev Syal

Signs in English and French will be mounted near French beaches around Calais and Dunkirk to tell people that they are risking their lives and are being deceived by smuggling gangs about the opportunities they will be given in the UK.

The publicity campaign, which has been signed off by the French government, is believed to be the first to try to dissuade asylum seekers in France from travelling to the UK. The plans have been dismissed by refugee organisations as a "gimmick" when refugees need practical support.

The campaign, which was discussed with the French authorities over the summer, is part of a more aggressive Home Office stance on confronting people attempting to get into the UK on small boats. A Whitehall source said: "It is a big deal for the French authorities to consider allowing the Home Office to mount a campaign on French territory. We need to ensure that people crossing the Channel know that it is dangerous, that their lives will not be easy in the UK and that they could be returned under the new agreement."