The Home Office has drawn up a secret action plan to tackle the asylum crisis, according to documents leaked to the Guardian.

The plan includes using Navy warships to intercept people traffickers in the Mediterranean, the use of RAF transport aircraft for bulk deportations and the withholding of aid from countries that refuse to take back failed applicants.

The plans was drawn up for Tony Blair in advance of a meeting he chaired last Wednesday.

"It has become clear from the prime minister's discussions on this issue that concerted action is needed across government if we are to deliver a radical reduction in the numbers," said an accompanying memo.

However, the Department for International Development has said that linking aid and asylum policies would be illegal.