Sangatte: crisis camp

The Refugee Council has warned the government against setting up asylum processing centres in countries outside the European Union.

The proposals could lead to the creation of "super Sangatte" camps, the charity has claimed.

Plans to establish zones of protection close to countries where the refugee crisis is most acute also came under fire.

"The consequence of the implementation of these proposals will be the creation of 'super Sangattes' - enormous centres which are likely to expand uncontrollably as removals fail to keep up with new arrivals," said Refugee Council chief Margaret Lally.

"As with Sangatte, the camps may well be a target for people smugglers, and thus hinder the government's attempts to crack down on this activity."

And she called on European Union ministers to dismiss the proposals when the government brings them forward at the Thessalonikki summit later this week.

"We are appalled that the UK's proposals are being taken seriously. They pose a clear threat to the global safety net that ensures every person's right to seek asylum, and send a dangerous signal to the rest of the world about the UK's commitment to its international, European and domestic obligations," said Lally.

"We have a responsibility as one of the wealthier countries of the world to offer protection and sanctuary to those fleeing persecution.

"We are also concerned that the EU is now looking at proposals that include the detention of innocent people.

"Problems with the UK asylum system need to be addressed by having more effective decision-making in the UK and more transparent and fair systems across Europe as a whole."

The Red Cross camp at Sangatte, which came to typify the UK's asylum problem, was closed last year following a deal between David Blunkett and his French counterpart.