Signs near French beaches to warn against trying to reach UK

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.