There's calls for the new Home Secretary to revise plans to use the former RAF Scampton site as asylum seeker accommodation following the ruling of the Rwanda Policy
The Government and West Lindsey District Council are currently awaiting the outcome of a Judicial Review - that took place earlier this month - which looked into claims the Home Office's use of the site is 'unlawful' and does not meet planning permissions
It's hoped the new Home Secretary will look into the decision to use the former home of the Dambusters as asylum seeker accommodation following the ruling of the Rwanda Policy.
Rishi Sunak vowed to sign an upgraded deal with Rwanda after his promise to "stop the boats" was plunged into fresh jeopardy by the Supreme Court ruling his flagship asylum policy is unlawful.
Sarah Carter lives on the former married quarters of the site and started the Save Our Scampton campaign, she says the ruling shows the government's is 'failing':
"I'm not surprised at all, it was just confirmation. Basically the whole scheme is - to me - just smoke and mirrors, just something to be able to put out there to say that we're working on dealing with this crisis that we're in at the moment.
"I mean, why wasn't it looked into, to see that it was going to be lawful, before even considering Rwanda, and the fact that they've done that with here as well... they were told that it's not a good idea, but still, just like Rwanda, they've pushed forward with it."
She added that people locally are raising concerns about the implications it could have on RAF Scampton:
"Obviously there's a lot of speculation already that they're the Government going to be even more desperate now to make the situation seem better, and I know a lot of people are speculating that they're going to be more desperate to put people in Scampton now, but in my eyes it just shows that the Home Office, especially the old Home Secretary, was just clutching at straws and didn't actually have a plan.
"The fact is, that we need to be included in that as well, that this is just as bad as the Rwanda plan; in regards to finances, how it'll actually work and how it would benefit, because it's not going to dissuade people from coming across.
"I'm hoping for the same result from the Judicial Review as Rwanda, that it is unlawful because they keep proving that they haven't done any of their homework."
A Home Office spokesperson said:
“Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites provides more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats whilst helping to reduce the use of hotels. This also cuts the burden on the taxpayer and ensures that every pound of their money is spent in the most effective way.
“We are confident in our project, which will house asylum seekers in safe and secure accommodation, while continuing to work closely with local councils to address local community concerns.”
The Prime Minister vowed to do "whatever it takes" to end Channel crossings, as he set out how the first step will be to "finalise" a new treaty with Rwanda.
Five justices at the UK's highest court unanimously rejected the Government's appeal over its policy of removing asylum seekers to the east African nation if they arrive by unauthorised means.
None of the £140 million the UK has already paid to Rwanda can be clawed back, as the new treaty is expected to add even more to the costs as negotiations are under way.
The Prime Minister was resisting pressure from some Conservatives to quit the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) but hinted he could change UK laws "if necessary" and may reconsider "international relationships".
He focused on the Supreme Court suggesting changes there to prevent genuine asylum seekers being sent back to the countries they have fled could render the plans lawful.
"There are further elements that they want additional certainty on and noted that changes can be delivered in the future to address those issues," Mr Sunak said at Prime Minister's Questions.
"The Government has been working already on a new treaty with Rwanda and we will finalise that."
Mr Sunak told Rwandan president Paul Kagame in a call that he remains firmly committed to their asylum partnership.
New Home Secretary James Cleverly said the Rwanda deal would be increased to a legally-binding treaty "as soon as possible" to alleviate the concerns to make it consistent with international law.
The flagship policy was first announced by Boris Johnson in April 2020, but not one migrant has been removed to Kigali during a series of legal challenges.