reports that using Britain’s overseas territories forms part of a range of contingencies that have been discussed by ministers and officials in case the Government’s policy to deport migrants to Rwanda has to be abandoned.
It is understood that ministers believe the remote location would act as a deterrent to people considering making the dangerous journey across the Channel.: “It’s pragmatic to consider all options and it makes sense to draw up proposals to stop the boats that could work alongside our Rwanda policy. We’re still confident that our Rwanda scheme is lawful, but having alternative proposals on the table would provide us with a back-up if we’re frustrated legally.
While Ms Patel may have considered the British overseas territory for offshore processing, that would also now pose a problem under the new Illegal Migration Act, which forbids those who have arrived in the UK “illegally” from being able to claim asylum here, meaning they would have to then be deported elsewhere.