More than 40 refugee, migrant-support and human-rights organisations have called on the Government to end the use of large former military sites for asylum accommodation.
In a joint letter to the Home Secretary, 44 organisations raised serious concerns about conditions at existing sites including Crowborough in East Sussex and Wethersfield in Essex. The letter also referred to proposed new sites, including MOD Bicester Site A.
The organisations argue that large, isolated sites can leave residents living in overcrowded and unsuitable conditions. At Crowborough, they reported communal rooms accommodating as many as 16 people, along with concerns about extreme temperatures, privacy and dignity.
They also highlighted difficulties accessing legal advice. Because large sites are often some distance from specialist legal services, the organisations say some residents have attended important asylum interviews without first receiving proper legal advice, while delays in communication and post have created further problems.
Safeguarding was another major concern. The groups argue that potential victims of trafficking and other vulnerable people may not always be identified or supported quickly enough.
These concerns are relevant to the current MOD Bicester proposal because the Government is considering using another large, isolated former military site for long-term asylum accommodation.
The Government says former military sites form part of its strategy to reduce reliance on asylum hotels and provide managed accommodation. It also says new sites will not proceed until the necessary assessments, planning permissions and approvals have been completed.
Wrong Plan. Wrong Site. has consistently argued that the suitability of Site A must be considered from every perspective — including the impact on surrounding communities and the welfare of the people who may be housed there.
The experience of existing military sites strengthens the case for the Government to demonstrate, before any decision is made, that MOD Bicester is genuinely a safe, suitable and sustainable place for people to live.
