Charities condemn ‘arrogant’ plans to house asylum seekers at former military sites

The UK Home Office is seeking planning permission to house asylum seekers at three former military sites: MOD Bicester in Oxfordshire, RAF Barnham in Suffolk, and RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire. These proposed sites could accommodate up to 3,750 individuals, with plans for "basic" accommodation. Refugee charities and local stakeholders have strongly criticized these plans, labeling them as "arrogant," "costly," and a "political fix." Organizations such as the Refugee Council and local community groups have voiced concerns about the suitability and impact of using these locations for asylum seeker accommodation. The government maintains that these sites are necessary to manage the current asylum seeker population and reduce reliance on hotels, a move that has reportedly saved the taxpayer £5 million per day compared to hotel costs. However, critics argue that the long-term costs and the welfare implications for asylum seekers have not been adequately considered. The decision to proceed with these sites follows previous controversial plans to house asylum seekers at other former military bases, such as those in West Sussex and Dorset.