In a surprising twist from the usual Visit Britain fare of the Queen, tea and crumpets pumped out on foreign TV screens by the government an altogether different tack is being looked at for the eastern European nations of Romania and Bulgaria.
According to the guardian a negative advertising campaign is being looked at to deter would be migrants with tales of grey skies, scant job opportunities and low-pay as the government seeks to head off a politically damaging influx of migrants next year when existing curbs expire.
The ironic campaign hasn’t been officially confirmed by the government, doubtless because it would invoke ridicule at a nation publicly denigrating itself.
A Downing Street source was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: “It is true that options are being looked at but we are not commenting on the specific things mentioned ... as obviously it is an ongoing process and we will bring forward any proposals in due course."
Other reported measures under consideration include restricting access to public services and deporting anyone who fails to find a job within three months.