Ascension Island: What you should know about a potential migration processing center
The government is reportedly considering resuming plans to fly people illicitly entering the UK to Ascension Island.
According to several reports, ministers and officials consider the island a “plan B” if the plan to send migrants to Rwanda fails.
The small volcanic island could host an asylum processing center to reduce the number of small boats crossing the English Channel.
– Where is Ascension Island?
Ascension Island is a British Overseas Territory located approximately 4,000 miles from the UK in the South Atlantic.
It is east of Brazil and west of Angola.
The island is about 807 miles northwest of St. Helena and is just under 34 square miles in size.
– Who lives on Ascension Island?
There is no permanent or indigenous population on the island but consists of employees and their families who work on the island.
About 800 people live on the island at any given time, including St. Helenians, Americans and British.
– What amenities are there on the island?
The island has two settlements, Georgetown and Two Boats.
It has two military bases that are home to the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Air Force, as well as an airfield and BBC relay station.
Ascension Island has a handful of shops, gyms and swimming pools, and even a movie theater and a range of outdoor activities.
– Who rules the island?
Ascension Island is not part of the UK but has its own constitution, which it shares with St Helena and Tristan da Cunha, and is self-governing. The UK is responsible for defence, international relations and security on the island.
Ascension Island has five councilors and St. Helena’s governor, Nigel Phillips.
The currency on the island is the St. Helena pound, which has the same value as the pound sterling.
The island was used by the US as a base during WWII and as a support base for the RAF during the Falklands War.
– How is the environment on the island?
The temperature on the island ranges from 20°C to 38°C, with a rainy season from January to April.
The island features Green Mountain, with a peak of 859 meters, as well as low coastal areas and a range of native wildlife including turtles, seabirds and crustaceans.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/st-helena-channel-government-rwanda-royal-air-force-b1098995.html Ascension Island: What you should know about a potential migration processing center
