Islanders could soon be under invasion from asylum seekers if Oliver Letwin has his way.

The Western Morning News has reported that a new document commissioned by the Shadow Home Secretary reveals centres could be built on islands off the Westcountry coast.

The concept is part of a package of proposals designed to reduce the appeal of the UK to asylum seekers.

The report does not specifically name Scilly as a site for the “offshore application centres” but the islands do fit the description of lightly populated places. Other islands under consideration are Drake’s Island in Plymouth and Lundy.

Lib-Dem MP for North Devon has described the scheme as ‘barking mad.’

For more information go to www.westernmorningnews.co.uk