Home Office Puts RAF Linton-on-Ouse Asylum Plans on Hold
North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zo Metcalfe has scored a win after raising alarm over plans to turn the historic RAF Linton-on-Ouse base into an asylum seeker centre. The Home Office has now confirmed the site won’t house asylum seekers until safety and legal checks are fully met.
Minister Confirms No Move Without Safety Checks
Kevin Foster MP, Home Office Minister for Secure and Legal Migration, wrote back to reassure the public. He said the RAF site “will not accommodate asylum seekers until it is safe and complies with all legal requirements, including planning approval.” Only after these conditions are met will the government decide on using the site.
“They will not accommodate asylum seekers at the RAF Linton-on-Ouse site until it is safe and conforms to all legal requirements,” said Ms Metcalfe.
“The Minister also recognises that the scheme will create extra policing needs, and the government must cover those costs,” she added.
Local Campaigners Celebrate a Step Forward
The plan to house up to 1,500 asylum seekers on the abandoned RAF base had sparked fierce local opposition. Olga Matthias from the Linton-on-Ouse Action Group said they were “over the moon” with the recent government response.
“This is the first nail in the coffin for the proposal,” said Matthias. “There are so many flaws, and finally, sense seems to be prevailing.”
“Hopefully they will decide it’s unsafe due to the site and location. It’s the wrong plan in the wrong area,” she added.
Home Office Committed but Cautious
The Home Office insists the asylum centre is needed. They plan on-site facilities and transport links to nearby towns including York. After six months, those still awaiting status will be moved elsewhere.
For now, it’s a pause and a close watch on safety and legal hurdles before any asylum seekers move into RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
