Newly-Elected MP Hamish Falconer Vows to Reverse RAF Scampton Asylum Centre Plans
Lincoln's newly-elected Labour MP, Hamish Falconer, has reaffirmed his commitment to reversing the RAF Scampton asylum centre plans, despite warning that the process may take some time.
Background of the Controversial Plans
The plans, put forward by the former Conservative government in March 2023, would see 800 single men from various countries, including Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan, housed at the former military base. The project has been met with strong opposition from local campaigners, who have been protesting at the site for over a year.
The Impact on Redevelopment Plans
A £300 million investment project to redevelop RAF Scampton, led by Scampton Holdings, was put on hold due to the asylum centre plans. Mr Falconer has been in talks with the investors, who have assured him that they are still committed to the project.
"I fully intend to discharge my commitment to the people which was to get that mad scheme scrapped. It's complicated because there are three elements to it."
The Complicated Process Ahead
Mr Falconer explained that the process of reversing the plans would involve unraveling the deal between West Lindsey District Council and the Home Office, as well as addressing the physical infrastructure already in place at the site.
"The third element is that West Lindsey District Council did a deal with the Home Office just before the general election. A deal I haven't seen which I assume is now going to need to be unravelled and undone. That contractual stuff will take a bit of time I think."
A Promise to the People
Despite the complexity of the issue, Mr Falconer reassured his constituents that he remains committed to fulfilling his election promise.
"I know people are incredibly impatient and I don't want to give anyone the impression that I'm doing anything other than focusing very much on this. It's one of my top things since I got down to parliament for the first time."