Michael Tomlinson said that Sir Keir Starmer’s intention to process applications overseas would make Britain a magnet for illegal migrants.
The Labour leader has previously dismissed the bid to deport some asylum seekers to the African nation as a “gimmick” and made clear his party’s opposition.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper and shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock have reportedly been speaking to asylum experts to draw up an alternative proposal to tackle small boats crossings in the Channel.
Former Home Secretary David Blunkett and other European countries have also been consulted over a plan that would see successful asylum applicants allowed to come to the UK.
