Buckinghamshire MP voices concerns to PM over proposed asylum centre near MOD Bicester
Prime Minister Andy Burnham promised to review the situation
Conservative Mid Buckinghamshire MP Greg Smith has raised concerns about plans to develop an asylum facility at MOD Bicester, near Buckinghamshire's border with Oxfordshire.
The issue was addressed during a Parliamentary session where Mr Smith urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to consider the impact of the proposed centre on local communities.
Inviting the Prime Minister to his official residence, Chequers, in Buckinghamshire, Mr Smith encouraged Mr Burnham to visit several villages near the border to better understand their concerns.
"It's inappropriate to put an asylum centre at MOD Bicester," Mr Smith said.
Naming Ludgershall, Marsh Gibbon, Oakley, Long Crendon, Boarstall, and Brill, he appealed for Mr Burnham's intervention with the Home Secretary to find an alternative site.
Mr Smith also requested a response to questions from constituents, which he said were sent to the Home Secretary over six weeks ago.
Prime Minister Burnham responded by acknowledging the community's concerns and promised to review the situation.
"I will look at the issue. I think Piddington is nearby, and I know there are concerns in that community as well," Mr Burnham said.
While recognising the pressures that large accommodation centres impose on nearby villages, he emphasised the need for asylum accommodation to not only be situated in deprived areas.
"A balance has to be struck, but it has to be fair for everybody," the Prime Minister added.
"Let me look at the issues that he raises; I can see that they are genuine, but this is an issue that has to be dealt with as a whole country, and that is what I will do."
The proposal, submitted by the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 2nd September, aims to transform five hectares of the MOD Bicester site into a self-contained centre for approximately 1,256 single adult men, aged 18 to 65, awaiting asylum decisions.
It is part of the Government's strategy to shift away from hotel reliance for accommodating asylum seekers.