Tories hail Greek migration policies as an example. Instead, they should serve as a warning

Experience in eastern Mediterranean proves deterrence and harsh conditions do little to discourage refugees

Prominent Conservatives openly view Greece's self-described strict but fair" migration policies as a model to emulate. The former home secretary Priti Patel told MPs last week that we would not be in this current situation" had she been allowed to replicate Greek-style reception centres".

British interest in the Greek model dates back to May 2021, when the former immigration minister Chris Philp made an urgent" - as internal documents seen by the Guardian called it - trip to Greece. This was followed by an official visit by Patel in August 2021, who toured a newly constructed Greek camp, went out on patrol with the Greek coastguard and spoke of working closely with Greek partners" on migration.