Lincolnshire Police: No Legal Authority Over RAF Scampton Stop Notices
Lincolnshire Police have clarified they have "no powers in law" to interfere with the stop notices issued at RAF Scampton by West Lindsey District Council (WLDC). They also expressed their inability to influence the contentious plans of housing up to 2,000 male asylum seekers at the former RAF Scampton, whilst noting they are "actively policing the ongoing protests".
Asylum Seeker Housing Plans Continue Despite Protests
The Home Office mentioned in a statement that preparations for the site to house asylum seekers continue, despite allegedly "breaching" stop notices issued by WLDC. "We are confident with our plans," said the officials.
Police's Role and Response to Protests
Superintendent at Lincolnshire Police, Phil Baker, clarified, "The stop notice given by West Lindsey District Council is a civil notice serviced by the authority to the Home Office – the police have no powers in law to intervene on this. We have been actively policing the ongoing protests, and taking positive action against the minority reported to be causing disruption." He continued, "We will continue to do all we can around those protest camps to ensure they are safe and lawful and that our communities are safe."
Two men were charged by Lincolnshire Police with a public order offence likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. They have been released on police bail with conditions and are due to appear at Lincoln Magistrates' Court in November.
Concerns Expressed by West Lindsey District Council
West Lindsey District Council’s director of planning, regeneration, and communities, Sally Grindrod-Smith voiced her frustration, "We have had many messages from concerned residents asking why the council and the police are not taking further action to stop works on site." She further explained, "This is because the site is what is known as ‘Crown Land’. This means that it is owned by the Government and so a local council cannot undertake physical enforcement action. The Home Office has not challenged the legality of the Stop Notice; however, it is clear they have not adhered to it."
In her final statement, Grindrod-Smith warned that RAF Scampton is prohibited from housing asylum seekers "until such time as the Stop Notice is withdrawn by the Council."
The decision to house asylum seekers at RAF Scampton will be challenged by WLDC and Braintree District Council at the High Court in London on October 31, 2023.