North Yorkshire refugee group shocked at plans to turn former RAF base into asylum seeker processing centre
Boris Johnson said it was "the humane" thing to do
Last updated 14th Apr 2022
Refugee charities in North Yorkshire have hit out at plans to turn a former RAF base into an asylum seeker processing centre.
RAF Linton-on-Ouse will be used as an asylum seeker accommodation and processing centre in part of wider plans that could also see asylum seekers being flown 5000 miles to Africa for processing.
Nicola David, chair of Ripon City of Sanctuary, wrote to all district and county councillors across North Yorkshire on behalf of the county's sanctuary groups last year when she heard the base could be used.
She said:
"Essentially it keeps them off our streets. It's a cross between a hostel and a low security prison.
"They're allowed to leave during the daytime but they have to be back in time for the doors to be locked. They have to eat food that quite often they can't stomach because it's food they're not used to or it's against their religion.
"It's a really, deeply unpleasant way for a refugee to live. The vast majority are genuine asylum seekers who are vulnerable and have come form a very difficult situation. I really can't understand how we can show so much compassion towards Ukrainians who have come from a war, but we cannot show the same compassion to refugees from other countries.
"I don't see why they can't do what they've been doing until now which is living within our communities. It's good for them, but it's also good for us because it means the public will become more aware of refugee issues. We all need to take some responsibility for our fellow man."
Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake said refugees "must be processed somewhere and in a humane and managed manner".
He has sought to reassure constituents following the announcement that the former RAF site in Linton-on-Ouse, will be used as an "asylum seeker accommodation and processing centre".
Heading off expected opposition in the village, Mr Hollinrake said the site should create 300 jobs as well as "new business opportunities in catering and other areas".
He said he had also asked ministers if the centre could be opened up to Ukrainian refugees.
Linton-on-Ouse has been described as a "ghost town" following the closure of the RAF base in 2020.
Migrants crossing the English Channel in ways the government sees as illegal could also be sent to Rwanda whilst their application is reviewed.
The scheme is due to cost an initial £120 million for the UK government, but has been criticised by refugee charities as a "cruel and nasty decision".
Ms David, added:
"It's a model that has been used by Australia that has been criticised across the globe. It's very expensive for the tax payer and is very damaging for the metal health of the asylum seeker. These are people who have not committed any crime and they are simply people who have exercised their right under international law to seek asylum in another country.
"98% of people who come over the channel in a boat claim asylum when they get here. That's absolutely within their right to do and they're not doing anything wrong. And yet we're going to ship them 5000 miles away to Africa, to a country that up until not long ago was embroiled in a civil war that was based on racism.
"A country that already tortures asylum seekers who go there and a country which has been criticised by Human Rights Watch for its abuses against asylum seekers. It absolutely could be a death sentence and it is just astounding that the government has come out and announced this."
Home Secretary Priti Patel has been visiting the country and is expected to sign the deal which would see migrants flown almost 4,000 miles from the UK while the Home Office processes their application.