Ministers are reportedly considering sending illegal migrants to Ascension Island as a “plan B” if the Rwanda policy fails.
The British overseas territory in the South Atlantic could host an asylum processing centre.
Ministers are said to believe the small volcanic island’s remote location 4,000 miles from the UK would be a deterrent for migrants making the dangerous journey across the Channel.
It was previously looked at as an option to process asylum seekers and the proposal has been revived as part of a range of contingency measures being considered in case the Rwanda policy has to be abandoned.
The Government is also in negotiations with at least five other countries, all believed to be in Africa, for similar deals to the one agreed with Kigali last year.
A senior government source told The Times: “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 backup if we’re frustrated legally.
“Voters would expect us to leave no stone unturned and that is the right and sensible thing to do.”
The plan to send illegal migrants on a one-way ticket to Rwanda has been stalled by legal challenges that will end up in the Supreme Court.
Minister Sarah Dines today said the Government is looking at “everything” when it comes to tackling the small boats crisis.
Asked about reports ministers are considering reviving plans to send asylum seekers to Ascension Island, she told Times Radio: “We are pretty confident that Rwanda is a legal policy.
“The High Court and the Lord Chief Justice found that it was, so that is what we are focusing on.
“But like any responsible government, we look at additional measures, so we are looking at everything to make sure our policy works.
“We need to reduce the pull factor of illegal criminal gangs getting people to this country, basically abusing the system.”
Pressed on the potentially high cost of sending refugees 4,000 miles to be processed, Ms Dines said the focus continued to be on delivering the agreement with Rwanda but that ministers were looking at “every other additional measure, as you would expect”.
The development comes during the Government’s “small boats week” in which it is making a series of announcements on the issue.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has staked his premiership on solving Channel crossings.
More than 15,000 people have made the perilous journey so far this year.
