Newly released documents from 2003 shed light on Tony Blair's push for drastic measures to curb asylum seekers entering the UK. Frustrated by the influx of migrants, Blair sought out what he

termed "radical" ideas, even entertaining suggestions that sparked controversy and challenged international laws.

Among the proposals discussed during brainstorming sessions were the establishment of a detention camp on Scotland's Isle of Mull and exploring options that could potentially violate international laws. There was contemplation about creating safe havens abroad for those denied asylum in the UK, with questions raised about the necessity of Britain's asylum system.

While these discussions mirrored certain aspects of current government policies, the most contentious proposals were never put into action during Blair's tenure. The government grappled with a surge in illegal crossings via ferries and the Channel Tunnel, with a record 84,132 asylum applications in 2002 despite efforts to dissuade migrants by restricting their rights, such as denying them the right to work.

In efforts to deter asylum seekers, ideas like detaining individuals in camps similar to Australia's approach were considered. The prospect of setting up a camp on the Isle of Mull was entertained, although concerns about community resistance were raised.

Moreover, there were discussions about sending failed asylum seekers to designated centers in other countries like Turkey for Iraqis and Kenya for Somalis. These suggestions differed from the contemporary government's plan, which included the possibility of sending illegal entrants to Rwanda for their asylum applications to be processed there.

The advisers also pondered the purpose of the UK's asylum system, questioning its necessity given that individuals arriving by sea would have traversed a safe country and expressing skepticism about the authenticity of airport asylum applications.

Despite the discussions, the Blair administration did not implement the more controversial measures proposed. Instead, they tightened border controls and visas, leading to a decrease in asylum applications until 2010. However, application numbers have risen since then, nearly reaching the 2002 levels by 2022.

The released documents also highlighted other discussions within Blair's government, including concerns about proposed tolerance zones for prostitution, disputes with the BBC over Iraq War coverage, and considerations about returning the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece to bolster London's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, despite anticipated resistance from the British Museum where the artifacts were housed. Photo by The Wolr Affairs Council, Wikimedia commons.