Plans to house over 1,000 male asylum seekers at a former Ministry of Defence (MoD) site in rural Oxfordshire have sparked significant opposition from local residents and officials. The proposal, which aims to move asylum seekers out of hotels, involves using a 1,250-bed military camp near Bicester, identified as 'Site A', to accommodate individuals aged between 18 and 65.
Local communities in Piddington and Upper and Lower Arncott have voiced strong objections, with some residents likening the plan to a 'Trojan horse' invasion. Concerns have been raised about the lack of official information, potential strain on local services such as healthcare and transportation, and the impact on the character of the villages, which have small populations.
Tim McNally, chair of the Piddington Parish Council, stated that villagers were shocked by the announcement and felt 'entrapped'. He noted that residents were considering selling their homes due to fears of a decline in property values. Graham Rixon, a Piddington resident, highlighted the disparity between the village's population of 350 and the proposed influx of 1,200 asylum seekers, expressing concerns about communication barriers and inadequate support systems.
Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, has been a vocal critic, stating that the government made decisions without meaningful consultation. He indicated that over 7,000 residents had signed a petition against the move. Miller criticized the perceived secrecy of the process, suggesting that No. 10 and the Home Office had been developing these plans without informing local communities or even personnel at MOD Bicester.
While the Home Office asserts that the site would be self-contained and aim to minimize impact on local services, residents remain skeptical. Preparatory work has reportedly begun at the Bicester site, with expectations that 270 asylum seekers could move in by the end of 2026, and the site could be used for a minimum of 10 years. The plan is part of a broader government initiative to move asylum seekers from hotels to ex-military sites, with similar proposals for RAF Barnham in Suffolk and RAF Linton-on-Ouse in Yorkshire.
Previous attempts to house asylum seekers at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in 2022 were abandoned following local protests and a legal challenge. The Home Office stated that discussions regarding the Bicester site are in early stages and are subject to planning permission, feasibility assessments, and community engagement. A spokesperson added that no final decisions would be made without necessary arrangements and approvals.