THE UK Government is reportedly considering reviving plans to fly people who arrive to the UK by unauthorised means to Ascension Island.
Reports say ministers and officials are considering the island as a “plan B” to the Rwanda policy which has been met with legal challenges since it was first discussed.
The small, volcanic island could potentially host an asylum processing centre as the Government aims to reduce the number of small boats crossing the Channel.
Where is Ascension Island?
Ascension Island is a UK Overseas Territory, located around 4000 miles from the UK and situated in the South Atlantic.
It is east of Brazil and west of Angola and is just under 34 square miles in size.
Who lives on the island?
There is no permanent or indigenous population on the island. It is made up of employees and their families who work there.
There are around 800 people living there at any point in time, made up of people from St Helena, America and the UK.
What is on the island?
The island has two settlements – Georgetown and Two Boats. It also has two military bases, which are home to the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force, along with an airfield and a BBC relay station.
Who governs the island?
Ascension Island is not considered a part of the UK. It has its own constitution which it shares with St Helena and Tristan da Cunha and is self-governing.
The UK is however responsible for defence, international relations and security on the island.
It has five councillors and the Governor of St Helena, Nigel Phillips.
What is the environment like?
The temperature of the island ranges from 20C to 38C with a wet season during January to April.
The island has the Green Mountain, which has a peak of 859 metres, as well as low coastal areas and an array of native wildlife including turtles, seabirds and crustaceans.
