Protesters gather at former RAF base over asylum seekers site plan
Demonstrators return as police ramp up powers after Thetford disorder
Protests have erupted outside a former RAF base in Suffolk as demonstrators voiced opposition to its potential use for housing asylum seekers.
The Home Office announced plans in June to consider Barnham Camp near Thetford as an accommodation site, leading to regular peaceful protests.
On Saturday, Norfolk Police arrested two people at the site in relation to earlier chaos in nearby Thetford. One individual, Caspar Randles-Mills, 31 from Great Barton, Suffolk, is charged with a public order offence.
Campaigners gathered once more on Sunday to protest at the camp's gates.
Union and St George’s flags were prominent among the demonstrators, with placards stating ‘Barnham says no. Protect our community.’ Reform UK Norfolk county councillor Scott Hussey addressed the group with a speech.
Earlier in the week, Thetford saw heightened tensions when crowds tried to storm homes associated with asylum seekers, resulting in police officers being assaulted during three nights of unrest.
Norfolk Police reported significant aggression towards their officers, with incidences of physical assault including one officer being hit with a rock, another bitten, and one spat at, during Wednesday's turmoil.
The situation was more stable over the weekend, with police describing Saturday night as ‘largely peaceful’ with no major disorder.
Enhanced policing powers will stay in effect in Thetford until Tuesday at 4pm. These include the authority for officers to eject individuals causing or potentially causing anti-social behaviour.
Some protesters at Thetford this week also participated in the regular demonstrations outside the former military site, as reported by the Guardian.
Sunday's protest was monitored by Suffolk Constabulary, who maintained a presence to safeguard both public and protesters. A Suffolk Constabulary spokesperson explained the necessity of balancing protest rights with community safety.
The spokesperson stated: “Our policing response will continue to be reviewed based on the latest information and assessments of potential safety risks. Earlier protests at Barnham have been peaceful; we are hopeful this positive approach continues.”
The Home Office emphasised that the site is under assessment, pending planning and approval processes.
The proposed site could shelter men aged between 18 to 65, who have applied for asylum.
Currently, no asylum seekers are housed at Barnham Camp, which Suffolk Constabulary indicates serves as a training site for Norfolk and Suffolk police forces.
Vehicles visible at the site are reportedly employed for policing training, with personnel consisting of police staff, MoD employees, and security workers.