Asylum Seekers to Remain at RAF Scampton, Home Office States
The Home Office has declared that asylum seekers at RAF Scampton will likely stay on base, despite being entitled to leave. They assert that toiletries, recreation, places of worship and primary medical care will retain 'service users' at the base.
Justification for this assumption was drawn from a similar facility in Wethersfield, Essex, where few migrants have chosen to leave. However, the Home Office clarified that there will be no enforced curfew at RAF Scampton and that migrants will have the freedom to exit the base at any time.
"They will also be able to catch buses to 'larger towns and cities,' such as Newark and nearby Lincoln,"
a spokesperson said.
Following a period of nine months, each resident will transition into 'dispersed accommodation' throughout the UK.
Migrants Arrival at RAF Scampton
Home Office representatives, alongside one individual from Serco, faced questions from local residents in anticipation of the first wave of migrants. Although the exact date is still unknown, the first batch of asylum seekers, numbering around 50, is set to arrive soon. It is anticipated that the base will house 2,000 individuals by year's end, with Home Office representatives assuring that this limit will not be breached.
Resident Reactions and Concerns
Despite reassurances from the Home Office, some residents were sceptical about the intentions of the government department, accusing them of conducting a mere 'box-ticking exercise'. Allegations were made about the evasion of specifics and a preference for pre-prepared questions. Mr Harding, a Home Office representative, refuted these claims, stating that only questions asked by attendees were addressed.
"Any issues pertaining to noise or antisocial behaviour will be dealt with as and when by the Home Office and Serco once the base has opened,"
Mr Harding added.
Future financial concerns, such as depreciating house prices and funding for the £300m rejuvenation project threatened by the Government's plans, were also brought up during the discussion, but specific financial information remained undisclosed by the Home Office.
To close the meeting, representatives assured attendees that this would not be the last engagement event, promising more in-person Q&As in the future.