The UK government is facing significant local opposition to its plan to house asylum seekers in disused military sites, with accusations that communities are being bypassed and concerns raised about the potential impact on rural areas.
Three former military bases have been identified for the housing plan, including RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire. The government aims to move asylum seekers out of hotels and into these sites while their claims are processed.
The Prime Minister has defended the proposal, stating that more affluent areas should contribute to housing asylum seekers, as the number of migrants arriving by small boat has surpassed 3,000 under his premiership. For two sites, MoD Bicester in Oxfordshire and MoD Barnham in Suffolk, a fast-track planning process is being utilized, submitting applications directly to the Housing Secretary rather than local councils.
Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester & Woodstock, criticized the process, stating it bypasses local scrutiny and shows contempt for local residents. He argued the government is abusing a process intended for urgent situations to circumvent local input.
In Linton-on-Ouse, residents are actively protesting the plan to house 1,200 asylum seekers at the local RAF base. The village, with approximately 600 residents, has a history of opposing similar proposals. Locals have expressed concerns about the significant demographic shift, with fears that men could outnumber women six to one. Residents have put up signs reading "Still the wrong plan, wrong place," echoing their successful opposition to a previous proposal by the Conservative government.
Concerns have also been raised about the proximity of the base to a primary school and nursery, and the potential impact on public safety and the village's character. Some residents have reported that the announcement has already affected property values, with potential buyers withdrawing offers.
Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, has described the plans for Linton-on-Ouse as "unsuitable." Home Office minister Anna Turley stated that the relocation plans are a matter of "fairness," ensuring that different areas take their appropriate share of asylum seekers, considering local infrastructure and community capacity. She noted that areas like Blackpool, described as less affluent, have already faced a "huge burden" and "real civil unrest" due to accommodating asylum seekers.
An analysis by the Daily Mail indicates that 17 local authorities currently house no supported asylum seekers, with many of these areas being rural or scenic locations. These include the Cotswolds, Derbyshire Dales, and the Isle of Wight, among others.
Asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their claims are provided with accommodation and financial support by the Home Office and are dispersed across the country.