Home Office defends using rural military bases to house asylum seekers
Minister claims sites are more manageable than hotels
The Home Office has defended its plans to use former military bases in rural areas for housing asylum seekers, with one proposed site in Piddington, near Bicester.
Home Office minister Anna Turley stated that these sites would be "self-contained," making them more manageable and affordable compared to hotels, where asylum seekers have been housed previously.
The announcement coincides with the closure of 13 hotels across the UK, including those in Blackpool and Stratford-upon-Avon, which have been hosting asylum seekers.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasised that wealthier parts of the country should contribute to housing asylum seekers, mitigating the burden on less prosperous areas.
Turley, speaking on LBC radio, highlighted fairness in distribution and pointed out that poorer regions with lower property prices have already accommodated significant numbers of migrants.
The minister explained that the proposed site near Piddington would ensure asylum seekers won't impinge on the village, which is home to just 350 people. The facility would reportedly accommodate over 1,200 individuals.
Burnham addressed concerns brought up by locals, adding that he is prepared to listen and respond to legitimate issues. He stressed the need for all regions to take part in dispersing refugees and asylum seekers.
Criticism has been directed at the strain on local resources, voiced by Tim McNally, chairman of Piddington Parish Council, on social media, expressing worries about the impact of accommodating a large number of people at the site.
The Government continues to explore various housing options for asylum seekers, including former industrial sites and student accommodations, subject to planning permissions and approvals.
The Home Office is also considering Barnham Camp in Suffolk for housing men aged between 18 and 65, though this proposal has faced protests.
Asylum seekers have been placed in rural former military sites such as Wethersfield in Essex and Crowborough in East Sussex, demonstrating the Government's ongoing efforts to balance the distribution across the country.