The Conservative Party is set to pay TikTok stars to make videos demanding migrants do not cross the English Channel.
According to reports, social media stars from countries that account for a large amount of illegal migration could be offered thousands of pounds to promote new Home Office laws.
The Times reported that the strategy has been described as “novel” and was the brainchild of Cass Horowitz, a social media expert and special advisor to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The idea is designed to get around a rule that says the Government cannot use TikTok, a ban introduced last year over security concerns.
The reason why the social media platform has been chosen is because it is used by people smugglers to advertise their journeys to the UK.
The new plan comes as the Home Office will spend around £1million on advertising ahead of the attempt to implement the Rwanda plan later this year.
GB News reported that the advertising strategy will play a key role in helping potential migrants to decide whether or not to make the dangerous crossing across the English Channel.
The plan said: “They are either undecided about departing their country or are decided but considering their destination.
“This campaign is not aimed at those migrants whose minds are already set on making the illegal journey to the UK: we know that the influence we can have over them is limited.”
A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “People smugglers frequently use social media to peddle lies and promote their criminal activities and it is vital that we utilise the same platforms to inform migrants about the truths about crossing the Channel and coming to the UK illegally.”
The announcement of the new plan comes as both British and French authorities agreed to increase the use of drones to try and monitor migrants crossing the English Channel.
Last month Home Secretary James Cleverly met with French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to strengthen security ties between the UK and France.
In a statement following the meeting, Mr Cleverly said: “Our cooperation against the full range of security threats and challenges is vital for both our countries and for Europe. France is an essential partner to prevent illegal migration.”
Mr Cleverly added: “The UK continues to support the challenges faced by French law enforcement, operating under increasingly difficult circumstances to save lives and disrupt organised criminal gangs.”
While the French have agreed to use drones over their northern coast, there are still several legal hurdles that need to be addressed before the drones can be launched.
In contrast, the UK has been using £400,000 drones over the English Channel, but not near the French coastline, to monitor crossings.
