In the press
Articles from across the national press
- LEGAL CHALLENGE NOW UNDERWAY
Legal action has been launched in relation to the MOD Bicester Site A proposal. Donations to the Legal Fund will help meet the costs of specialist legal and professional advice.
Cherwell Council says MOD Bicester asylum plans pose ‘avoidable’ risks
ITV Meridian reports that Cherwell District Council has formally objected to the MOD Bicester Site A proposal, warning of unresolved issues around ecology, flooding, access, contamination and community impact.
Cherwell council objects to Bicester asylum camp plans
The Bicester Advertiser reports that Cherwell District Council has formally objected to the MOD Bicester Site A proposal, raising concerns over transport, infrastructure, drainage, ecology, site safety and the limited consultation period.
Piddington migrant camp dealt another blow after discovery of one of world’s rarest bats at planned asylum site
The Daily Mail reports that rare barbastelle bats have been detected at MOD Bicester Site A, potentially requiring further specialist ecological surveys as scrutiny of the proposed development continues.
Ex-MoD officer warns of protected species at Bicester site
The Bicester Advertiser reports claims from a former MoD police officer that badgers, bats, great crested newts and abundant birdlife were known to inhabit MOD Bicester Site A during his time working there.
Great crested newts could thwart Piddington migrant camp
The Telegraph reports on ecological evidence uncovered around MOD Bicester Site A, including records of great crested newts, bats, badgers and other protected species, as well as the growing prospect of legal challenges to the Government’s plans.
Fresh national scrutiny over the UK asylum system
A new Daily Express report highlights renewed criticism of the UK asylum system, amid claims over the legitimacy of some asylum applications and continuing concern over small boat crossings.
Bicester asylum site ‘not ideal’ as Government submits plans
The Oxford Mail reports on the Government’s formal plans for a large asylum accommodation site at MOD Bicester, highlighting its own acknowledgement that the rural location is “not ideal”.
Essex market town feels impact of nearby asylum camp as numbers set to rise to 1,250
The Daily Mail reports from Braintree, less than seven miles from RAF Wethersfield, where a former military site housing asylum seekers is set to increase to 1,250 residents — the same number currently proposed for MOD Bicester.
Number of asylum seekers living in hotels across UK halves in a year
New figures show a substantial fall in the number of asylum seekers being accommodated in hotels, as the Government continues its move towards alternative accommodation.
Arrest after stabbing at a hotel used to house asylum seekers
Police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing at a Surrey hotel being used to accommodate asylum seekers.
Government could pay higher rents to spread asylum accommodation across UK
Ministers are considering changes to how asylum accommodation is distributed as the Government seeks alternatives to hotels and looks to spread accommodation more widely across the country.
Minister defends plan to house up to 1,250 asylum seekers on ex-military base near Piddington
Immigration Minister Anna Turley has defended the Government’s proposed use of MOD Bicester Site A, saying former military sites can reduce the impact of asylum accommodation on local communities.
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Latest updates
Is the Government risking a wildlife crime at MOD Bicester?
Fresh evidence of bat activity at MOD Bicester Site A is raising serious questions about the Government’s ecological surveys and the use of powerful floodlights over the weekend.
Floodlights return for second night at MOD Bicester Site A
Floodlights were reportedly switched on again at MOD Bicester Site A on Saturday night, prompting fresh concern over the potential impact on bats and other nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight floodlighting at MOD Bicester Site A raises fresh questions over impact on bats
Bright floodlights were seen illuminating MOD Bicester Site A for several hours overnight, raising fresh questions about their potential impact on bats while the adequacy of the site’s ecological assessment is already under legal challenge.
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