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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Eleni Courea Political correspondent

Social media ads promoting small boat crossings to UK to be banned

Back of a person walking along a road with a car passing with its headlights on, and another group further up the road
People walk along a road in Wimereux, France, after attempting to cross the Channel. Up to 80% of migrants who arrive on small boats use social media to communicate with smugglers. Photograph: Yoan Valat/EPA

Ministers are to outlaw social media adverts promoting journeys on small boats across the Channel to asylum seekers.

The government will create a UK-wide criminal offence that could lead to perpetrators being sentenced for up to five years in prison and a hefty fine.

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