RAF base unsuitable for asylum site, minister told

A plan to house asylum seekers at former RAF Scampton site was scrapped last year

Council leaders are asking for urgent talks with the government on the future of former RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

In a letter to Alex Norris, minister for border security and asylum, the leaders of three councils, along with Lincolnshire's mayor, call for "clarity" as the Home Office considers replacing hotels with military sites for asylum accommodation.

Scampton was earmarked to play such a role under the previous Conservative government, but the plans were scrapped by Labour last year.

Councillor Jackie Brockway, who leads West Lindsey District Council, said any decision should be "in the best interests of local communities". The government said safety would "always be a top priority".

The letter, which is jointly signed by Brockway, Lincolnshire mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns, county council leader Sean Matthews, and Lincoln council leader Naomi Tweddle, calls for a "constructive dialogue" over the base, which is the former home of 617 Squadron, famed for the WW2 Dambusters raid, and the Red Arrows.

Brockway said the site was "wholly unsuitable for asylum accommodation" and highlighted a £300m regeneration plan.

Council leaders say local people have been left "in limbo"

"Scampton is a nationally significant asset with the potential to play a vital role in the UK's defence and security sector," she added.

"However, local people and partners are left in limbo, with no certainty about what lies ahead.

"Now is the time to accelerate the site's disposal and unlock its potential – not revisit unsuitable proposals."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "As part of our commitment to close all asylum hotels, we are looking at a range of more appropriate sites including disused accommodation, industrial and ex-military sites so we can reduce the impact on communities.

"We are working with local authorities, property partners and across government to accelerate this. But safety will always be a top priority and any asylum accommodation must first undergo strict inspections. We will set out more detail in due course."

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