Newly revealed papers show Tony Blair's call for 'bold' steps to reduce asylum Seekers

Newly released files from 2003 reveal that former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair was presented with various measures to address migration, including the proposal for a detention camp on the Isle of Mull and actions that could potentially breach international law. These papers, released by the National Archives, show Blair's growing frustration with the inability to deter individuals from coming to the UK and his call for more radical ideas. Among the suggestions put forward were the establishment of safe havens in other countries for rejected asylum seekers and even questioning the necessity of the UK's asylum system altogether by arguing that refugees would have already passed through safe countries before reaching British shores. Some of these ideas bear strong similarities to current government policies, although the most controversial measures were never implemented by the Labour administration. In 2002, there was a record high of 84,132 asylum applications in the UK, despite efforts by Blair's government to discourage asylum seekers, such as denying them the right to work. Asylum seekers were filmed illegally entering the UK through methods like climbing fences near the Channel or hiding in lorries transporting goods. The closure of the refugee camp at Sangatte, near Calais, which served as a transit point for those attempting to reach the UK, added to the challenges faced by the government. While a significant majority of asylum applications in the UK were rejected at that time, less than 20% were successful. Blair sought a new approach and instructed advisers and officials to brainstorm ideas. Although not necessarily endorsed by Blair, these suggestions included legislating in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights to facilitate the removal of illegal immigrants, establishing safe havens in other countries for failed asylum seekers, and adopting the Australian approach of detaining individuals in camps as a deterrent. The idea of setting up a detention camp on the Isle of Mull was proposed, although there were concerns about the local opposition to such a facility. The advisers also questioned the purpose of the UK's asylum system and suggested a one-tier fast appeal process for immigration decisions instead of an asylum hearing. Experts have noted the similarities between the 2003 debate and the current discussions on migration policies. The files also revealed that the Blair government explored the possibility of offshore processing of asylum claims in Tanzania and considered sending failed Somali asylum seekers there. Eventually, the Labour administration implemented stricter border control measures and visa policies, resulting in a decline in annual asylum applications. However, asylum numbers have since rebounded, reaching near 2002 levels in 2022, suggesting ongoing challenges in managing migration.