The United Kingdom government is continuing its plan to house asylum seekers on former military sites, a strategy defended by Home Office minister Anna Turley as necessary for providing secure and appropriate accommodation. Turley stated that disused Ministry of Defence properties are suitable because they possess on-site facilities and offer a more contained environment.
This approach aims to move away from the use of hotels, with the government announcing the closure of 13 hotels across England. Two former military sites are already operational: RAF Wethersfield in Essex and Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex. Proposals for three additional sites were announced in June, including a location near Piddington in Oxfordshire.
However, the plans have encountered significant opposition from residents in affected areas. In Piddington, campaigners have raised concerns that the small community, with limited infrastructure, will be unable to accommodate a large influx of people. Mike Nixon, vice-chairman of Piddington Parish Council, expressed frustration and worry among residents, highlighting that an asylum centre would have a "dramatic effect" on their lives. The community has even held a symbolic independence referendum to voice their concerns about not being heard by the government.
Similar protests have occurred at other proposed sites, including a former RAF base in Barnham, Suffolk. In North Yorkshire, the Labour mayor for the area where RAF Linton-on-Ouse is located described it as "simply the wrong place."
Turley defended the policy on BBC Breakfast, emphasizing that the public desires an end to hotel usage for asylum seekers. She pointed to the closure of the Metropole hotel in Blackpool, stating it sends an "important message" about the government's commitment to integrating such facilities into community futures. She reiterated that the priority is to ensure asylum seekers are housed securely while minimizing the impact on local communities.
Beyond former military bases, the government is also exploring other types of sites, such as former industrial areas and student accommodation, as more appropriate alternatives to hotels. The stated goal is to find solutions that are both secure for asylum seekers and less disruptive to existing communities.