Labour considers Rwanda plan alternative to process asylum claims overseas

26 December 2023 , 10:48

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Overseas processing centres are being looked at as a way of stopping the boats (file image) (Image: Getty Images)

Asylum seekers could have their claims processed overseas before reaching the UK under new plans being looked at by Labour.

Keir Starmer has said he will scrap the controversial deportation deal with Rwanda if he becomes PM. Labour chiefs are now considering ways of making asylum decisions at processing centres overseas, with successful applicants then allowed to come to the UK.

Backers believe it will be a hammer blow to people smugglers, as people from much of the world currently have to reach UK shores in order to claim asylum. Floundering Rishi Sunak is currently locked in civil war with his party as he desperately tries to deal with small boat crossings.

Former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett - who drew up plans to send migrants to Tanzania while their claims were looked at in the early 2000s - is one figure involved in talks. Mr Starmer has previously said he would consider offshore processing, with Labour saying any new project must be cost-effective, credible and legal.

The Labour leader said earlier this month: "Other countries around the world do have schemes where they divert people on the way and process them elsewhere. That's a different kind of scheme. And, look, I'll look at any scheme that might work."

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Party chiefs are looking at ways of ensuring that those whose asylum claims are accepted are permitted to travel to the UK, while those who are rejected are barred. This is being considered as a way of stopping small boat crossings - as people from many parts of the world have to reach the UK to have their claim considered.

Leaders from Austria, Germany, Italy and Denmark are currently looking at ways to process asylum claims outside the EU. It could mean people fleeing violence and persecution in countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iran and Iraq could have their applications decided at the British Embassy in Turkey. A similar approach was taken with Ukrainian refugees who were allowed to apply from countries such as Poland.

Rishi Sunak is set for a desperate New Year's battle over his bid to resurrect the Rwanda project despite it being declared unlawful by the Supreme Court. Critics say it will not work, with the initial capacity in the African nation thought to be around 200 - although the Government claims it can be scaled up quickly.

So far the UK has handed over £240million to Rwanda, with a further £50million to follow in April, and further payments due in 2025 and 2026 - also believed to be £50million.

Dave Burke