RAF Scampton could be used to house asylum seekers
There are reports a site in Lincolnshire is being considered
Last updated 7th Mar 2023
Yesterday £300 million pound plans to develop the former RAF base at Scampton were revealed, but now it appears the Government is reportedly considering using it to house asylum seekers.
The home secretary's told MPs this lunchtime a new illegal migration bill will mean those arriving in the UK on small boats will be "removed swiftly".
However Home Secretary Suella Braverman would not be drawn on reports of RAF Scampton being used to house asylum seekers.
Conservative former minister Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) said:
"Although it's been all over the press this morning, West Lindsey District Council has not still been informed officially that the Home Office is planning to place migrants in former RAF Scampton.
"We have just announced yesterday, after two years of work, a £300 million scheme to have the best ever handover of an MoD (Ministry of Defence) base, the home of the Dambusters, business, tourism, heritage.
"Will the Home Secretary assure me that if she overrides our objections and places migrants here, that she will work closely with me and the council to ensure it is strictly temporary, and that in no way does this upset the best deal that's ever come to north Lincolnshire?"
Ms Braverman said: "My right honourable friend the immigration minister is working intensively to secure bespoke and appropriate, and, importantly, sustainable, asylum accommodation around a range of locations within the United Kingdom.
"We are working with local authorities and Members of Parliament, we want to make the right decision for communities, and that's why all dialogue is welcome."
West Lindsey District Council have said they have requested a meeting with the Home Office to find out which locations they are looking into.
It's not yet known which site in the county is being considered.
Cllr Owen Bierley, Leader of West Lindsey District Council said:
“We have delivered everything asked by the MOD to get into this position of being able to acquire the site.
"We have a deliverable plan – any Home Office intervention will result in loss of the £300 million investment.
"West Lindsey District Council has received no formal proposals from the Home Office. Since 2018 statutory consultation has informed the Masterplan therefore, we have community support.
"There would be significant community opposition, it’s the 80th anniversary of Operation Chastise the Dambusters Raid, incredibly important part of our heritage.
"We should be respecting and preserving this not accepting proposals that would undermine the heritage of the site.”
A government spokesperson said:
“We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being put on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country.
“We continue to work across government and with local authorities to look at a range of accommodation options and sites but the best way to relieve these pressures is to stop the boats in the first place.
“That is why we are introducing legislation which will ensure that people arriving in the UK illegally are detained and swiftly removed to another country.”