UK Govt Plans to House Asylum Seekers in Old Military Bases
The UK government is set to slash soaring costs by housing asylum seekers in disused military bases. Each site could hold between 1,500 and 2,000 migrants. This comes as ministers reveal they’re spending a staggering £6.2 million a day on hotel rooms for over 51,000 asylum seekers currently spread across 400 hotels nationwide.
Ex-Military Sites to Provide ‘Essential Living Needs’ Only
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick unveiled the bold plan, insisting asylum accommodation will “meet their essential living needs and nothing more.” The rundown bases include RAF Wethersfield in Essex, RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, the former training facility Northeye in Bexhill, East Sussex, and barracks at Catterick Garrison.
Jenrick said he would engage with local councils and communities to tackle concerns. “I’m keen to identify challenges this will bring and work with the Home Office to deliver the resources and safeguards needed to reassure residents,” he added.
Local Councils Raise Questions Over Bexhill Site
A joint statement from East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council acknowledged community concerns about the Northeye site, a former prison and military training centre. They promised to work closely with local partners to assess the impact on residents.
“We will share our findings with the government and collaborate to ensure all issues are addressed by the Home Office,” the councils confirmed.
