Plans to transform three former military bases into massive asylum seeker facilities have sparked outrage among charities and locals, labelling them "arrogant" and "costly". The move aims to accommodate up to 3,750 claimants at MOD Bicester, RAF Barnham, and RAF Linton-on-Ouse. However, critics argue that this solution ignores the core issues surrounding asylum provision in the UK.
Planning permission is being sought for basic accommodation facilities at the three sites, which could potentially house thousands of asylum seekers. According to a government statement, these new locations would bring the total capacity for ex-military sites to 6,250 people. Ministers are also seeking to extend the operational period of existing sites, including Crowborough until 2030 and Wethersfield beyond 2027. Notably, the Home Office plans to increase Wethersfield's capacity by 400, making it a total of 1,200 places for men.
The decision has been met with fierce criticism over its potential financial implications. Several organisations point out that large-scale military-style sites are more expensive than housing asylum seekers in hotels. Imran Hussain, Director of External Affairs at the Refugee Council, highlighted that government watchdogs have indicated barracks incur higher overall costs than hotels. He also stressed concerns about isolation, as these sites often distance people from local communities and vital services.
Locals are similarly opposed to the plans. Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, questioned the rationale behind the decision, citing a similar attempt in 2001 that was abandoned due to protests, planning delays, and excessive costs. Mr Miller described the proposal as appearing to be "a political fix" that would ultimately prove ineffective. Nicola David of the Linton-on-Ouse Action Group, which successfully campaigned against similar plans in 2022, called the announcement "a real gut punch," reiterating that the site remains unsuitable for housing a large number of asylum seekers.
Residents at Wethersfield, Nick and Mair Godley, expressed profound disappointment, claiming previous assurances regarding the temporary nature of the site's use were now being disregarded. They condemned the lack of consultation with the local community, characterising the announcement as a "blatant display of Home Office arrogance." These sentiments are echoed by Kim Bailey of Crowborough Shield CIC, an organisation engaged in a legal challenge against the Home Office's use of Crowborough, who stated that figures suggest military accommodation sites cost more than hotels.
The latest Home Office data shows a decrease in the number of asylum seekers housed in these facilities. Critics argue this move only adds to existing problems, rather than addressing them.