Milton Keynes North MP contacts Home Office over asylum seeker housing plans in Newport Pagnell
MP Ben Everitt says he has contacted the Home Office "urgently"
Last updated 8th Aug 2023
The MP for Milton Keynes North has said he has contacted the Home Office "urgently" after news emerged that plans are underway to house asylum seekers in Newport Pagnell.
Ben Everitt released a statement yesterday (August 7) which went on to say that he is aware Milton Keynes City Council has been working with the Home Office on these short-term plans for the town "over the last few months".
The MP's statement has said that the plans are to house single, male asylum seekers and that he is "surprised" by the scale of the plans, as well as now seeking more details from the Home Office.
The statement from Ben Everitt said:
"I have been made aware Milton Keynes City Council has been working with the Home Office over the last few months to provide short-term asylum seeker accommodation in Newport Pagnell.
"I'm very surprised to learn about the scale of the accommodation and the fact that it will be used to house single, male asylum seekers.
"I was equally surprised that the Labour leader of the council claims to have had no idea about this when I have seen correspondence between the council and the Home Office suggesting consultation as far back as June.
"In Parliament Labour have voted against every attempt from the Conservative Government to prevent illegal immigration, and in Milton Keynes it appears they are once again playing politics rather than focusing on the concerns of local people.
"I understand our communities will be distressed by this news and I have urgently contacted the Home Office to seek assurances and further details."
The Home Office and Milton Keynes City Council have been approached for comment.