Arrival of Asylum Seekers at RAF Scampton Imminent Despite Uncertainty
The first contingent of asylum seekers are anticipated to arrive at RAF Scampton shortly, according to council officials from West Lindsey District Council. Up to 50 migrants could be housed at the former air base as early as Monday, October 9, although the Home Office has not confirmed a specific date. Nonetheless, a parish council spokesperson has described the date as "only a rumour".
"Whilst the parish council was told back in July that the first migrants would arrive at the end of September / early October, we have no other information except this rumour."
Plans for Housing 2,000 Asylum Seekers by 2023
A community engagement event held on September 27 revealed government plans to accommodate as many as 2,000 asylum seekers at the RAF Scampton base by the end of 2023. This is despite a stop notice issued on September 22 that requires all on-site work to seize and instructs for the base to be returned to its original state. The notice also forbids housing migrants at the base.
Development Continues Despite Opposition
While the Home Office claims to be carefully scrutinising the implications of the stop notice, construction works seem to forge ahead, with the instalment of portacabins near the runway and plans for a shop, gym, and medical centre for the asylum seekers. However, council officials have not been able to inspect the base due to denied access.
"Sadly, this request has not been accepted and they continue to work on the site at pace."
Plans Challenged in Court
A judicial review of the Home Office's plans is set for October 31 and November 1 at the High Court. Until then, some are requesting work halt at the site, a plea the Home Office has declined.
Criticism of Government's Communication and Actions
Critics such as West Lindsey District Council's director and Lincoln Labour MP hopeful, Hamish Falconer, have criticized the government's approach - Falconer has termed the possible move of migrants onto the base a 'cynical effort'. Council leader Trevor Young has alongside criticised the government's poor communication with residents.
"It's absolutely obvious that if the Conservatives put asylum seekers on site on Monday it’s a cynical effort to make their unravelling plan look like it’s inevitable."
"…the Government must obey the law in Lincoln like everybody else has to, abide by the stop notice and have their day in court."