Exclusive: Refugee organisations dismiss Home Office-endorsed publicity campaign as a ‘gimmick’
Asylum seekers in northern France who hope to reach the UK in small boats are to be targeted with Home Office-endorsed posters and leaflets telling them that they are risk of being returned under a new “one in, one out” deal.
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 while confronting people attempting to get into the UK on small boats.
